Meilie Tianhou Temple

Meilie Tianhou Temple

Tianhou Temple

It is located 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 reign of the Qing Dynasty. The temple atop the gate enshrines Mazu, the goddess of the sea. Before the liberation, there were no highways or railways in Sanming, but water transport was thriving. Therefore, the local community built the Tianhou Temple to pray for Mazu’s blessing for safe passage over water.

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” (meaning “silent”), and also called “Mo Niang.” Her great-grandfather, Baoji, served in the Zhou dynasty as a military commander but later 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 during the early Song Dynasty. Mo Niang was exceptionally intelligent; at the age of eight, while studying with a tutor, she could already grasp the gist of the texts. As she grew older, she enjoyed chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha. … More details about Lin Mo ++