Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple, Chaolong Temple, and Fu'an Temple are the three famous temples in Donggang, each dedicated to a main deity. Among them, the worship of Wen Wangye at Donglong Temple serves as an important spiritual anchor for the people of Donggang and is closely intertwined with the development of local culture and customs. Wen Wangye, also known as "Qiansui," has various legends surrounding his origins. According to one legend, he was Wen Hong, who served as a guardian during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty and sacrificed himself by drowning at sea. In popular belief, Wen Wangye is considered a sea god or a plague god, and was conferred a title by the Jade Emperor, tasked with patrolling the heavens. It is said that every three years, Wen Wangye returns to Donggang, giving rise to the "Donggang Welcoming Wang Peace Festival," held every three years to celebrate his arrival. The residents of Donggang mobilize nearly the entire community, crafting elaborate decorations by traditional methods, including the "Wang Jiao/Wang Boat" to welcome and send off the deity. The eight-day festival features a series of activities from welcoming Wang, processions, banquets for Wang, to sending him off, showcasing awe-inspiring rituals, lively performances, and deafening sounds of firecrackers, alongside devout worshippers. If you have the opportunity to visit Donggang during the "Donggang Welcoming Wang Peace Festival," do take the time to participate in the festivities and experience the local people's reverence for Wen Wangye and their cultural enthusiasm. Wen Wangye, the main deity of Donglong Temple, has the surname Wen, given name Hong, and is styled Dexiu. He was born during the Sui dynasty in Baima Alley, Licheng County, Jinan Prefecture, Shandong Province. During the zenith of the Tang dynasty, in the era of Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan period, he encountered danger while secretly traveling incognito. Wen Hong selflessly saved the emperor, proving himself indispensable. The emperor rewarded him with the title of Jinshi, along with thirty-five others who aided in the rescue. At that time, local bandits were rampant, causing suffering among the people; thus, the thirty-six Jinshi led troops to suppress the rebellion. With remarkable military prowess, Wen Hong decisively struck at the bandits' lairs, leading to the surrender of tens of thousands of rebels, bringing peace to the nation. After returning to court, he was awarded and conferred the title of Wangye. In times of peace, the thirty-six Jinshi were commissioned to tour the nation, spreading the virtues and power of the Tang dynasty. Unfortunately, during a maritime inspection, they encountered a maritime disaster, resulting in the demise of all thirty-six individuals. Upon hearing this news, Emperor Taizong mourned the loss of his loyal officials and, believing in their deification, posthumously bestowed upon them the title "Patrolling the Heavens." He decreed the establishment of temples nationwide, ordering annual rituals to be held in their memory, ensuring everlasting incense offerings. Additionally, he commanded the construction of a grand vessel named the "Wen Wang Boat," to carry the divine status of Wen Wangye and his sworn brothers, which would be sent into the sea after the purification ceremony, bearing an imperial inscription of "Wherever the royal boat visits, both officials and commoners should welcome it," instructing that at every stop of the Wen Wang Boat, the local populace must prepare offerings of pigs and sheep to honor Wang's spirit in heaven. (Image and text provided by Donglong Temple)
