Xingtian Temple

Xingtian Temple, also known as the Temple of the Lord of Grace, is located in Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It is also referred to as the Taipei Guandi Temple (as seen in the temple's divination poems). The main deity worshipped is Lord Guan (Guan Sheng Dijun), commonly called Lord of Grace (En Zhu Gong), along with several accompanying deities, including Prince Guan Ping, General Zhou Cang, Lu Dongbin, Zhang Dan, Wang Shan, and Yue Fei, collectively known as the "Five Lords of Grace (Wu Sheng En Zhu)." This temple is one of the most renowned Guandi temples in Taiwan and was built by Daoist priest Huang Xuan-Kong, who achieved success in the coal mining industry.

Xingtian Temple has two branch temples located at Zhongyi Mountain in Beitou District, Taipei, and Baiji Mountain in Sanxia District, New Taipei City. Together, these are known as the “Three Xingtian Temples.” The Beitou branch was the first to be constructed, followed by the Sanxia branch (Xingxiu Temple), while the main temple in the urban center was the last to be completed. The temple gate is adorned with 108 door studs, symbolizing 108 deities—representing the 36 Heavenly Stars and 72 Earthly Fiends in Taoist belief.

In terms of religious nature, Xingtian Temple represents a synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, emphasizing a belief system based on "introspective respect for the gods (wen xin jing shen)." The religious rituals are primarily Taoist in form, including major ceremonies like the Great Peace Rites (commonly known as Bai Dou), offerings to Yuan Chen, Guan Xian, Stars, Pacification of Souls, Spiritual Contracts, Calming Rituals, and more—all deeply rooted in Taoist tradition.

The title “Lord of Grace” (En Zhu) in Luan-tang belief refers to a savior figure. Lord Guan is revered for his compassion and universal salvation of mankind. Out of gratitude and reverence, believers honor him as a divine savior, commonly referring to him as “En Zhu Gong.” Hence, Xingtian Temple is popularly known as the “Temple of the Lord of Grace.”

Below are the Five Lords of Grace worshipped at Xingtian Temple (arranged by the position of their statues):

• Prince Guan Ping: Son of Guan Sheng Dijun; known for his loyalty and bravery, assisting his father in achieving great deeds.

• Lung En Zhenjun (Lord Wang): One of Taoism's guardian deities, also known as Huo Luo Ling Guan. He governs fire and divine power and holds a high celestial status.

• Fu You Dijun (Lord Lu): Also known as Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism, respected as Fu You Dijun and also as one of the Five Wen Chang deities.

• Guan Sheng Dijun (Lord Guan): A famous general of the Three Kingdoms period, courtesy name Yunchang. Revered in all three teachings—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Known in Buddhism as Garan Bodhisattva, in Taoism as Xie Tian Da Di and Yi Han Da Tian Zun, and in Confucianism as Wen Heng Sheng Di. Also known as “Master of Shanxi.” In Luan-tang, he is honored as En Zhu Gong; in I-Kuan Tao, as the Lord of Law. During the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period, he was officially titled “Guan Sheng Dijun, Supreme Emperor Who Subdues Demons in the Three Realms and Brings Divine Awe.”

• Siming Zhenjun (Lord Zhang): Also known as the Kitchen God, who records human virtues and vices, reports to Heaven, and protects household peace.

• Loyal and Brave King Yue (Lord Yue): Refers to Yue Fei, a famous general from the Southern Song dynasty, symbolizing loyalty, filial piety, righteousness, and integrity, and is deeply venerated.

• Master Zhou (Zhou Cang): A subordinate of Guan Sheng Dijun, known for his fierce loyalty and strength; regarded as one of Guan Yu’s key aides.

Xingtian Temple serves not only as a religious center but also as an important cultural, historical, and spiritual landmark.