Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple, Chaolong Temple, and Fu'an Temple are the three major temples in Donggang, each dedicated to a main deity. Among them, the deity of Donglong Temple, Emperor Wen (Wen Wang Ye), is an important spiritual support for the people of Donggang and closely connected to the cultural customs of Donggang Township. Emperor Wen, also known as "Qian Sui," has various legends regarding his origins. It is said that he was Wen Hong, who served as a guard during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. After sacrificing himself to save the emperor during a maritime disaster, popular belief regards Emperor Wen as either a sea god or a plague god, who was appointed by the Jade Emperor to patrol on behalf of heaven. Legend has it that every three years, Emperor Wen returns to Donggang, giving rise to the "Donggang Welcoming Emperor Peace Festival," held every three years. To welcome the arrival of the deity, nearly all residents of Donggang are mobilized to follow ancient practices, intricately crafting and decorating the "Wang Jiao/Wang Boat" for the eight-day festival, which includes rituals from welcoming the deity, processions, feasts, to sending him off. Throughout the town, one can witness the awe-inspiring ceremonies, the lively processional teams, the deafening sound of firecrackers, and the devout worshippers. If you have the opportunity to visit Donggang during the "Donggang Welcoming Emperor Peace Festival," take a moment to participate in the celebrations and experience the respect Donggang has for Emperor Wen and its passionate local culture. The main deity of Donglong Temple is Wen Wang Ye, whose surname is Wen, name is Hong, and style is Dexiu. He was born during the Sui Dynasty, hailing from Baima Lane in Licheng County, Jinan Prefecture, Shandong Province. During the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, when Emperor Li Shimin traveled incognito, he encountered danger and was saved by Wen Hong, who sacrificed himself. For his bravery, the emperor bestowed upon him the degree of Jinshi, along with thirty-five others who had also helped in the rescue, all of whom were granted noble titles. At that time, nearby places were troubled by marauding bandits, causing great suffering for the people. The thirty-six Jinshi were given elite soldiers to suppress the bandits. Wen Hong skillfully led the troops directly to the bandits' lair, resulting in tens of thousands of surrendered rebels, leading to peace and stability in the country. After returning triumphantly to the capital, he received a commendation and was granted the title of Wang Ye. In an era of peace, the thirty-six Jinshi were ordered to travel the world to promote the virtues of the Tang Dynasty. However, during one expedition by ship, they unfortunately encountered a maritime disaster, resulting in the loss of all thirty-six members. Upon hearing this news, Emperor Zhenguan mourned the loss of his loyal ministers and reaffirmed the belief in their deification, thus posthumously granting them the title of "Patroller of Heaven," ordering nationwide construction of temples to honor them with spring and autumn sacrifices and decreeing that the offerings be forever maintained in the human realm. He also commanded the building of a grand ship, named "Wen Wang Ship," which was to carry the spirit tablets of Emperor Wen and his sworn brothers. After the completion of the purification rituals, the ship was sent into the sea, displaying the imperial decree: "Wherever the Wen Wang Ship arrives, local officials and citizens must collectively welcome it, sacrificing pigs and sheep and holding major religious offerings to honor the spirit of Emperor Wen in heaven." (Image and text provided by Donglong Temple)
A view inside the Donglong Temple
Donglong Temple Golden Arch
