Place of Origin: China
Origin Date: He Xiangu's legends date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
Domain: Heaven, earth, celestial realm.
Symbols: The dragon, often depicted with symbols of authority and power.
Attributes: Control over heaven and earth, embodying wisdom, justice, and benevolence.
Religion: Taoism
Description
He Xiangu is one of the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology, celebrated for her purity, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. She is often depicted as a young woman holding a lotus flower, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and the ability to improve physical and mental well-being. He Xiangu is also admired for her beauty and her deep connection to nature.
According to legend, He Xiangu was born during the Tang Dynasty and exhibited extraordinary qualities from a young age. As a teenager, she had a dream in which consuming powdered mother-of-pearl would grant her immortality. Following this vision, she vowed to remain a virgin, reduced her food intake, and dedicated herself to spiritual practices. Her ethereal nature allowed her to float across mountains, collecting herbs during the day and returning home each evening.
She is believed to have achieved immortality through her virtuous life and spiritual cultivation. Her ascension to immortality is marked by divine intervention, with accounts of her vanishing after being summoned by Empress Wu Zetian, only to reappear later, floating on a cloud.
In addition to the lotus flower, He Xiangu is often portrayed with a bamboo ladle or a fly-whisk, further symbolizing her role as a healer and spiritual guide. She embodies the Taoist ideals of simplicity, harmony with nature, and transcendence. As a patron of health and purity, He Xiangu inspires those seeking balance and enlightenment in their lives.
Relations: The Jade Emperor is often associated with other important deities in Taoism, such as the Three Pure Ones and the Queen Mother of the West.
Epithets: Yuhuang Shangdi, Yudi, Tian Gong.
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, but the Jade Emperor shares similarities with supreme deities in other mythologies, such as Zeus in Greek mythology and Jupiter in Roman mythology.
Iconography: The Jade Emperor is often depicted as a majestic and regal figure, wearing imperial robes and a crown, sometimes holding a scepter or jade tablet.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of He Xiangu
He Xiangu is one of the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology, known for her purity, enlightenment, and association with health and longevity. She is often depicted as a young woman holding a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening.
Core Beliefs
Immortal and Patron Deity: He Xiangu is revered as one of the Eight Immortals, a group of legendary figures in Taoism who achieved immortality through their virtuous lives and spiritual practices. She is considered a patron deity of health and longevity, reflecting her connection to well-being and spiritual purity.
Symbol of Purity and Enlightenment: He Xiangu's lotus flower symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening. Her story highlights her dedication to achieving spiritual enlightenment and helping others attain health and longevity.
Compassion and Selflessness: He Xiangu is known for her compassion and selflessness. She is believed to have used her knowledge of herbs and medicine to help those in need, reflecting her role as a healer and protector.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: He Xiangu is often depicted as a beautiful young woman holding a lotus flower. She may also be shown with a bamboo ladle, a fly-whisk, or the musical instrument known as sheng. These symbols represent her purity, enlightenment, and healing abilities.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with He Xiangu include the lotus flower, bamboo ladle, and fly-whisk. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of He Xiangu are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Chinese culture and mythology. She embodies the qualities of purity, enlightenment, and compassion.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor He Xiangu. These include offerings of incense, food, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in Taoist temples dedicated to the Eight Immortals.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to He Xiangu can be found throughout China. These sites are often located in places associated with health and longevity, such as gardens and mountains.
Offerings: Offerings to He Xiangu typically include incense, food, and items related to her symbols, such as representations of lotus flowers and bamboo ladles. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Eight Immortals Festivals: Various festivals dedicated to the Eight Immortals include prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek their blessings for protection and prosperity. These festivals often feature traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances.
Cultural Celebrations: He Xiangu's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Chinese heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to He Xiangu for protection, health, and success in their endeavors. Traditional prayers often invoke her role as one of the Eight Immortals and a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
He Xiangu's role as one of the Eight Immortals and a patron deity of health and longevity embodies the core values and beliefs of Taoist mythology, emphasizing the importance of purity, enlightenment, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Narratives:
The Birth of He Xiangu
He Xiangu, originally named He Qiong, was born during the Tang dynasty. At birth, she had six long hairs on the crown of her head, which was considered an auspicious sign. She was known for her intelligence and kind-hearted nature from a young age.
The Divine Dream
When He Xiangu was about 14 or 15 years old, a divine personage appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to eat powdered mica to become etherealized and immune from death. She followed the instructions, vowed to remain a virgin, and gradually decreased her food intake.
Summoned by Wu Zetian
Empress Wu Zetian once sent a messenger to summon He Xiangu to the imperial court. However, He Xiangu disappeared on her way to the court, avoiding the summons.
Ascension to Immortality
During the Jinglong era (707–710 CE) in the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang dynasty, He Xiangu ascended to Heaven in broad daylight and became an immortal.
Prediction for Di Qing
During the Song dynasty, General Di Qing sought He Xiangu's prediction regarding the success of his campaign to suppress the Nannong rebellion. He Xiangu predicted that the enemy would be defeated and fled before Di Qing even saw them. Her prediction came true, and the enemy was defeated and fled.
Sacred Texts: Various Taoist scriptures and classic Chinese literature.