Sidian Wumiao

State Temple of the Martial God, also called Tainan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple () or Grand Guandi Temple, is a temple located in Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan, Taiwan. This temple was previously the palace of Koxinga and Prince of Ningjing, members of the Ming imperial family who retreated to Taiwan in the dying days of the Ming dynasty.

This temple is dedicated to the deity Guan Gong, who is the most widely worshipped deity in Taiwan and mainland China. The statue of Guan-Gong in this temple was brought to Taiwan from Fujian Province, China by relatives of Prince of Ningjing during the Ming dynasty.

There are also two smaller temples on the site. The temple of Guanyin, a Buddhist fertility goddess whose image can be found in nearly every Taoist temple, and the temple of Yue Lao, eldest son of Koxinga. It was renovated, modified and expanded in 1690. It was again renovated and expanded to its present form in 1716. A shrine for 3 generations of Guan Yu's family was added in 1725 for their worship, and in 1727, the temple's status was elevated to that of an official temple.

Features

The State Temple of the Martial God is a typical “Southern Ming” building style temple, a building style that could be found in Fujian Province around the Ming dynasty.

Wall

The first noticeable feature of this temple is the long, high, red wall along Yung-Fu Road, called a “horseback style wall”, named for its appearance which is similar to a horse's bare back.

Five Roofs

Looking above the wall, five different kinds of roofs are visible.
The style of the most decorated one is called “swallows tail” and is also typical of the “Southern Ming” building style.
As with other traditional temples, the roofs of Tainan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple also decorated with dragons.

Door Knobs

At the main entrance of the temple, there are three red doors.
The larger, central door is decorated with 72 studs, and the other two smaller doors have 54 studs in each.
These are all multiples of 9 as “9” is a royal symbolic number, and this temple was previously the palace of Koxinga and Prince of Ningjing, members of the Ming royal family who retreated to Taiwan in the dying days of the Ming dynasty.

Animals feature decorated

Above the entrance, carvings of a number of animals, including elephants, dragons, and the mythical Chinese flying creature the “Qilin” (which has a head like a dragon, and the body of a winged horse) are visible. These animals are placed here to protect the temple and ward off evil.
At the meeting points of columns and beams are lotus shaped decorations. These decorations conceal studs that secure the beams’ structure as no nails were reputedly used in the temple's construction.

Historical Name Plates

There are many famous and historical name plates in the temple. Immediately on entering the temple and located above the door is large name plate with the three Chinese characters “Da Zhang Fu” (大丈夫)carved in it. In Chinese culture, “Da Zhang Fu” represent courage, strength and loyalty, the traits of Guan-Gong. This name plate was presented to the temple by a Qing dynasty general in A.D.1791.

Statues of Guan Gong

Beyond the entrance courtyard, is the main altar of Guan Gong, or Lord Guan. The statue of Guan Gong in this temple was brought to Taiwan from Fu-Chien Province, China by relatives of Prince of Ningjing during the Ming dynasty, and has remained here ever since.

Statues of Guan Gong's Son and Bodyguard

To the right of the statue of Guan Gong, in a red and gold robe, is Guan Gong’s son, Guan Ping. On the left, holding a huge weapon and wearing a fearsome expression, is Zhou Cang, fabled to be Guan Gong’s loyal general and bodyguard. On hearing of Guan Gong’s death, he immediately committed suicide as a further demonstration of his loyalty.

Window Decoration

There are passages past the altar on either side. The windows along the passages are shaped like traditional Chinese coins – a circular shape and with a square hole in the middle. When the sun shines through the windows, the floor seems to be covered with money. Guan-Gong is reported to have advised his followers to spend every coin wisely, and not to waste money: this may be why he has become the patron saint of accountants.

Guanyin Statue

To the rear and the left of the first part of the temple, is another smaller temple. This is the temple of Guan-Yin. Although Guan-Yin is a Buddhist goddess, her association with fertility with Taoists, and her image can be found in nearly every Taoist temple. This particular statue is famous because of the smiling, benevolent expression on her face. Her eyes are slightly downcast, and appear to be looking at the visitors.

On either side of the Guan Yin Temple there is a row of 9 Buddhist monks, called “ 18 arhats”, who are the protectors of Buddhist gods.

The Examination Gods

Outside the Guan-Yin temple, and to the left, is the temple of the five examination gods where students and examinees pray for good luck in examinations. The students and examinees write their names, and the time and place of their examination on slip of pink paper. If they pass the exam or get an acceptable grade in the exam, they will often come back and hang a red string decoration as a sign of gratitude, or worship and present flowers and fresh fruit in appreciation.

Yue Lao

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