Nankan Wufu Temple
Nankan Wufu Temple, formerly known as Xuantan Temple or Yuantan Temple and colloquially referred to as the “Nankan Marshal Temple,” is located in Luzhu District, Taoyuan City. It is one of the most important religious centers in the area. The temple is dedicated to Marshal Xuantan, also revered as the God of Martial Wealth. According to legend, he was enshrined by soldiers during the Ming Zheng period. The temple was founded over 300 years ago and has since undergone nine renovations and two expansions. On August 19, 1985, it was designated a Level-3 historic monument by the Ministry of the Interior.
Wufu Temple holds not only religious significance but also plays a vital role in local cultural events. It hosts various folk and religious festivals throughout the year, several of which are long-standing and highly representative:
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Martial God Cultural Festival: Held every lunar March to celebrate the birthday of Marshal Xuantan, the temple organizes a series of festive events that attract devotees and the public alike.
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Joint Celebration for Marshal Xuantan and Mazu: On the afternoon of the 16th day of the third lunar month, the temple conducts the “Crossing the Golden Fire” ritual, an important annual religious event.
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Zhongyuan Pudu Festival: Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, this is one of the oldest Ghost Festival rituals in northern Taiwan. It is held in the seventh lunar month to pray for peace and to offer salvation to wandering spirits.
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Water Lantern Release: On the evening of the 14th day of the seventh lunar month, water lanterns are lit and firecrackers set off before a ritual street procession is held to summon spirits—a uniquely Taiwanese tradition.
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Incense Division and Pilgrimage Activities: Held on the 17th day of the first lunar month in every even-numbered Republic of China year (odd-numbered Gregorian year), friendly temples form pilgrimage groups with accompanying palanquins and traditional performance troupes, showcasing the richness of traditional religious culture.
