臺北市政府文化局

Fude Zhengshen, commonly known as the Earth God, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Taiwanese folk religion, with temples dedicated to him all over the island. The Earth God is revered as a kind, community-oriented figure, much like a village elder, overseeing everything from agriculture and commerce to land and household affairs. But did you know that in Muzha, at the fork of Muzha Road and Muxin Road, stands a unique Earth God temple specifically dedicated to the protection of ferrymen? This is Ferryhead Fude Temple.

According to local elders, Ferryhead Fude Temple, which is situated on a small rocky hill, has a history going back over 120 years, when the hill was part of the Guitou Hill, and the nearby Jingmei River was a wide, flowing waterway—not yet silted up as it is today. With no bridges, ferries were the only means of crossing the river, and the turbulent waters often endangered the lives of ferrymen. Unable to fight the forces of nature, early settlers in Muzha turned to faith, pooling resources to build a temple and praying for divine protection, which led to the establishment of Ferryhead Fude Temple.

The temple has remained in place, unchanged, since its construction 120 years ago, though the surrounding landscape has transformed dramatically. Urban development has erased Guitou Hill, and the construction of the Daonan Bridge over the Jingmei River has consigned those fears of ferry-related accidents to history.

While people no longer worry about ferry crossings, reasons for visiting the temple have evolved over time. Yet, the enduring message inscribed on the temple couplet remains, 福祿並臻民稱順正，德功顯耀世代麻神 (Blessings and prosperity come in abundance, the people praise righteousness; the virtue and deeds of the god shine gloriously through generations).

Today, Ferryhead Fude Temple continues to serve as a vital spiritual hub for the community. Despite the passage of time, it gently and steadfastly watches over the land and its people with unwavering warmth.