Shi Hu Dong Temple, Dehua County, Fujian Province, China

The famous mother temple of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun, also known as Fazhugong, is located on Mount Shiniu in Dehua County. The temple is situated in a cave approximately 1700 meters above sea level, known as Shihudong. According to folk tales, the cave was once inhabited by five ghosts who were eventually captured by Fazhugong and his two brothers. This deity is depicted with unkempt long hair, holding a sword in one hand and entangled with a snake in the other.

The air at Shihudong remains fresh throughout the year. Standing outside the cave and admiring the beauty of the vast clouds gives one a feeling of heaven on earth and comfort. During temple celebrations, numerous devotees from China, Taiwan, and Malaysia gather. They wake up early to trek up to the cave, hoping to catch the sunrise at Shihudong.

On the auspicious annual thanksgiving day, our Taoist priest initiates the ceremony by beating a drum, followed by the crackle of gunfire, symbolizing hopes for prosperity and good fortune. The ceremony commences with the invitation of various gods by our Taoist priests to officiate the event. During the proceedings, there were reports of deep clouds forming layers resembling a majestic palace, a sight that amazed many.

The temple management also arranged for a famous puppet show troupe from Dehua County to present splendid performances. Around noon, temple workers, visibly perspiring, carried bundles of lunch packs from the canteen to the cave. Witnessing their dedication, I felt deeply impressed and appreciative of their hard work.

After lunch, we proceeded with the finale of the day by petitioning to the Hall of Jade. The entire ceremony lasted approximately one-and-a-half hours, during which each devotee knelt and murmured prayers for good deeds. The day concluded with happiness and strengthened bonds of friendship among all attendees.

Comments

Gongteck Prayers Ceremony at Klang Selangor, Malaysia

Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the bereaved family members of the deceased have a continued existence and possess the ability to influence the fortunes of the living. Early forms of ancestor worship were deeply rooted and extensively developed by the Late Neolithic Period in China. With the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, religious traditions such as ancestor worship have become an integral part of the daily activities of Chinese descendants. The goal of ancestor worship is to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the netherworld and sometimes to request special favors or assistance. The social function of ancestor worship is to cultivate kinship values such as filial piety, family loyalty, and the continuity of the family lineage. The rituals of ancestor worship commonly involve making offerings to deceased ancestors to ensure their welfare in the afterlife, which is often imagined resembling earthly life. Ancestor worship typically begins with the funeral

Ancestor Worship at San Qing Gong Temple, Singapore

Ancestor worship in Chinese tradition is a deeply rooted practice aimed at honoring ancestors, seeking their guidance, and ensuring their continued spiritual well-being in the afterlife. It reflects cultural values of filial piety, respect for elders, and the importance of familial connections across generations. In Chinese tradition, bereaved family members of a deceased will set up a home altar for the purpose of ancestor worship after the funeral. The altar normally includes a photograph of the deceased, an inscription of its name on a memorial tablet, and an urn for offerings. Daily or twice-daily offerings are made to ensure the deceased has a good start in the afterlife. Necessities such as the deceased's favorite food and drink are placed on the altar. After 49 days, the altar is usually taken down, which marks the period during which the deceased is believed to undergo judgment in the netherworld. Following this, the deceased is worshipped alongside all other ancestors of t

Xi'an Chong Yang Gong Temple, Shaan'xi Province, China

As per the Chinese saying, Xi'an stands as a symbol of Chinese culture. It was once known as Chang'an, the ancient capital of the Han and Tang Dynasties. Located in Shaanxi Province, the ancient capital of Xi'an has fostered a diverse religious culture encompassing Taoism, Buddhism, and Islam. Chong Yang Gong Temple in Xi'an is dedicated to the founder of Quanzhen Taoism, Master Wang Chong Yang. The Quanzhen Sect, also known as The Complete Perfection Tradition of Taoism, emphasizes that Taoist cultivation should begin with the self. Specifically, practitioners are taught to empty themselves of selfish desires as a foundational practice. Chong Yang Gong Temple has a historical establishment of over 800 years and covers about six acres of land. The palace underwent renovations two years ago, featuring a fascinating gallery of Taoist exhibits. Among these exhibits is a sacred tower that prominently displays the remains of Master Wang Chong Yang, offering visitors a close

My Diary

Search This Blog