先嗇宮

Is “Xianse Temple” a common name around here? This Xianse Temple, right in front of us, might seem unassuming at first. But it holds centuries of stories within its walls. It is the oldest temple in the Erchongpu area of Sanchong District. It’s officially called Sanchong Xianse Temple, but locals often still call it by its old names, “Wugu King Temple” or “Wugu Emperor Temple”. The Xianse Temple was originally built in 1755 during the Qing Dynasty, further upstream along the Tamsui River. But floods forced them to relocate. It was moved to a place called Sanshengdian, close to where the Dahan River meets the Tamsui River. Eventually, they had to move it again because of flooding. The temple found its final resting place here in Wugu King Village, now Wugu King North Street. The name “Xianse”, meaning “God of Agriculture”, comes from the Eight Wax Gods, deities who protect the harvest. Xianse is the most important of these gods, representing the spirit of agriculture itself. The temple’s current structure was largely rebuilt in 1925. It was led by Lin Qingzun, a prominent local figure who served as the head of Erchongpu District during the Japanese era. The temple features a fascinating architectural technique called “duìchǎngzuò”, where two teams of craftsmen work simultaneously on opposite sides of the building without seeing each other’s designs. Step inside and look closely at the dragon and tiger pillars. They are prime examples of this technique. Notice the subtle differences in their style and details. The temple also houses a number of ancient plaques dating back to the Qing Dynasty. This Xianse Temple isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the rich history and artistic talent that have shaped this region. It’s a place where the whispers of the past echo in the intricate carvings and the vibrant colors of the glazed roof tiles.