Xiyue Dadi
Xiyue Dadi (西岳大帝, Xiyue Emperor) is a Daoist deity of the sacred mountain Mount Hua and one of the Great Emperor of Five Mountains.[1] The belief of Emperor Xiyue originated from the worship of mountains and rivers in ancient China. Among the five great mountains, Mount Hua has long been respected for its proximity to Chang'an, the capital of Han and Tang Dynasties. Emperor Wudi built the first worship temple of him at foot of the Mount Hua, he named the temple Jilinggong Palace later changed to Xiyue Temple.[2] Xiyue Dadi is the father of Huayue Sanniang and Huashan Sanlang.
According to the historical text Wei Shu, the god of Mount Hua was known as Hao Yushou, bearing the surname Hao and the given name Yushou.[3] In the Li Shi (隶释) Volume 2 Fan Yixiu Huayue Stele contains: "It is said that the Xiyue, the worship of the three males, can rejuvenate the clouds and rain, produce all things, and master the essence, which is beneficial to people."
Iconography
The iconology of Huashan Emperor includes various symbolic elements. He is depicted wearing a white robe known as the Huashan God's Eye and adorned with the crown of the nine streams. Additionally, he wears the seal of Tiantongzhen. The Huashan Emperor is often depicted riding a white dragon, symbolizing his connection to celestial powers. He is also described as leading a retinue of 4,100 immortal officials, princes, and daughters, signifying his divine authority and status.[4]
Temple
The Xiyue Temple, situated on Yuezhen Street, 5 kilometers north of Mount Hua, is a revered temple dedicated to Xiyue Dadi. Its origins can be traced back to the reign of Emperor Wu during the Han dynasty, and over time, it developed into a significant site where rulers from various dynasties would come to pay homage and offer sacrifices to the God of Mount Hua.[5]
References
- ^ 我们的神：写给孩子的中国神话 (in Chinese). Beijing Book Co. Inc. 1 May 2019. ISBN 978-7-301-30424-2.
- ^ Palmer, David A.; Siegler, Elijah (2017-11-27). Dream Trippers: Global Daoism and the Predicament of Modern Spirituality. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-48484-6.
- ^ 抱朴子內篇今註今譯 (in Chinese). 臺灣商務印書館. 2001. ISBN 978-957-05-1680-7.
- ^ _岳西岳 (in Chinese). 崧博出版事業有限公司. 26 January 2017.
- ^ 中国朝圣游 (2009-2010年最新版) (in Chinese). Beijing Book Co. Inc. 1 April 2009. ISBN 978-7-5613-3321-1.