Meilie Tianhou Temple

Meilie Tianhou Temple

Tianhou Temple

Located just 10 meters to the right of Zhengshun Temple, its exterior resembles an ancient city gate, named Kang Le Gate, which was first built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. The temple atop the gate enshrines Mazu, the goddess of the sea. Before the liberation, Sanming had no highways or railways, but water transport flourished, leading locals to build the Tianhou Temple to pray for Mazu’s protection for safe sea travel.

Lin Mo, also known as Mo Niang, was affectionately called “Auntie,” “Mother Goddess,” or “Mazu” by the people. She was from Putian.

Born on the 23rd day of the third lunar month in the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty (960 AD) into an official family on Meizhou Island, Putian County. She never cried from birth until she was one month old, hence she was named “Mo” (“Silent”), also called “Mo Niang.” Her great-grandfather Baoji served in the Zhou Dynasty as a military commander but resigned from office and lived in seclusion on Meizhou. Her grandfather Fu inherited the family’s honors and served as the Fujian Regional Commander. Her father Yuan held the position of Fujian Patrol Inspector in the early Song Dynasty. Mo Niang was exceptionally intelligent; at the age of 8, while studying with a tutor, she could already grasp the main ideas of the texts. As she grew older, she enjoyed chanting scriptures and worshipping the Buddha. … More details about Lin Mo ++