Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple, Chaolong Temple, and Fu'an Temple are the three famous temples in Donggang, each dedicated to its own main deity. Among them, the deity at Donglong Temple, Lord Wen, holds significant spiritual importance for the people of Donggang and is closely tied to the cultural customs and development of Donggang Township. Lord Wen, also known as "Qiansui," has varying legends regarding his origin. It is said that he was Wen Hong, who served as a guardian during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and sacrificed himself at sea. In local customs, Lord Wen is seen as the God of the Sea or the God of Plague and was posthumously granted a title by the Jade Emperor to patrol on behalf of heaven. According to legend, Lord Wen returns to Donggang every three years, giving rise to the "Donggang Welcoming King Peace Festival" held every three years. In preparation for the arrival of Lord Wen, the residents of Donggang Township are almost fully mobilized to follow ancient methods to craft, intricately carve, and decorate the "King's Palanquin" and "King's Ship." The eight-day festival includes activities such as welcoming the king, processions, banquets, and sending off the king. Throughout Donggang Township, one can witness awe-inspiring festivities, bustling crowds, and the thunderous sound of fireworks, along with devout worshippers. If you have the opportunity to visit Donggang during the "Donggang Welcoming King Peace Festival," you might consider stopping by to participate in the grand event and experience the respect the town pays to Lord Wen and the local cultural enthusiasm. The main deity of Donglong Temple in Donggang is surnamed Wen, named Hong, and styled Dexiu. He was born during the Sui Dynasty, hailing from Baima Alley in Licheng County, Jinan Prefecture, Shandong. During the Zhenguan years of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Li Shimin, traveling incognito, encountered danger and was saved by Wen Hong, who sacrificed himself. As a reward, the emperor granted him the title of Jinshi, along with thirty-five others who had also aided in the rescue. At that time, local bandits were rampant, and the thirty-six Jinshi led troops to suppress them. Wen Hong was skilled in warfare, directly penetrating the bandit hideouts, resulting in thousands of rebels surrendering, leading to national peace and stability. Upon returning to court, Wen Hong was honored and posthumously titled "Worshipped by Heaven." In a time of peace, the thirty-six Jinshi were commissioned to travel the world, proclaiming the virtues and power of the Tang Dynasty. During one of their sea patrols, they unfortunately encountered disaster, resulting in the loss of all thirty-six. Upon hearing this news, Emperor Zhenguan mourned his talented officials but also believed in their deification, thus issuing an edict for temples to be built nationwide for spring and autumn sacrifices. He decreed that their spirit would eternally enjoy incense offerings among the people. Additionally, a large ship named "Wen Wang Ship" was constructed to hold the spirit tablets of Lord Wen and his sworn brothers, which would be sent into the sea after the ritual. The royal decree on the ship stated "When in the jurisdiction, offer sacrifices; when in the county, offer sacrifices," proclaiming that wherever the Wen Wang Ship went, both commoners and officials should prepare to welcome it with grand sacrifices of pigs and sheep, to comfort Lord Wen's spirit in heaven. (Image source: Donglong Temple)
A view inside Donglong Temple.
Dong Long Temple Golden Archway
