The main Hsing Tian Kong is located in the culturally rich surroundings of downtown Taipei City. Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, it exudes a unique air of serenity and harmony. Here the faithful can find complete support and clarity. When you come to Hsing Tian Kong, please take the time to savor the details of its traditional architectural beauty.
The Front Hall of Hsing Tian Kong, also called San Chuan Hall, has five doors. The three middle doors are studded with 108 golden-colored pegs that represent the 108 celestial deities of the Big Dipper that guards this place.
The central door is the broadest of the five doors, and also has the highest status. It usually remains closed. It is only opened for rituals marking the arrival and departure of the deities during their birthdays, Services of Prayers for Peace, or when a dignitary visits.
The routes in and out of the main Hsing Tian Kong are the Xun Gate (Wind Gate) on the left of the temple (looking from the outside) and the Kun Gate (Earth Gate) on the right.
「Hehe」：meaning “bright” or “magnificent”—inscribed over the Xun Gate, encourages the faithful to practice virtue and respect the deities, and never to secretly harbor unconscionable thoughts.
「Yanyan」：“towering and majestic”—inscribed over the Kun Gate, exhorts the faithful to act in accordance with the True Faith, and not to seek the deities’ assistance for selfish aims.
In contrast to the stone lions seen at most temples, the central door of Hsing Tian Kong's Front Hall is guarded by a pair of qilin, a mythical one-horned beast which some liken to a unicorn or giraffe-like creature, that are symbols of the nation at peace.
