The temple originated from a memorial for a shipwrecked boat crew whose bodies washed ashore, discovered by locals who buried them together.
A dog belonging to the deceased fishermen refused to leave the burial site and eventually starved, leading locals to worship it alongside the men.
It is considered a 'Yin' temple, traditionally catering to those seeking fortune, windfall, or career protection, differentiating it from mainstream 'Yang' temples.
The giant bronze dog statue is considered a sacred entity that is frequently touched by pilgrims for good fortune.
The temple has become a major stop for nocturnal travelers, historically attracting a high volume of visitors after midnight.
The current site comprises both an original older shrine and a modern, larger temple structure.
The Temple of the Eighteen Lords is a renowned Taoist site in Shimen, New Taipei City, dedicated to seventeen fishermen and their loyal dog who perished in a shipwreck. The shrine is famous for its association with the 'Eighteen Lords' deity, which devotees believe grants wishes related to luck, business, and gambling. It sits prominently along the northern coastal road, marked by a massive, distinctive bronze statue of the dog that serves as the temple's iconic protector. The original small stone shrine was expanded over decades into a significant religious complex, with a newer, larger facility built nearby to accommodate growing pilgrim numbers. It is an essential site for those observing traditional Taiwanese folk beliefs concerning spirits and canine loyalty.
The large bronze dog statue situated in the forecourt of the complex.
Bring offerings such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), which are the traditional food associated with the Shimen area and often used in temple rituals.
Check the surrounding local vendors, as the area is famous for its distinctively small-sized zongzi snacks.
Observe how locals interact with the statue of the dog to understand the specific customs of the shrine.
Avoid visiting with the expectation of a standard Buddhist or Confucian experience, as this is a folk-religious shrine with unique traditions.
Maintain a respectful demeanor; do not touch the sacred statues unless encouraged by local practitioners.
