The image of Xuanwu Da Di (玄武大帝) is evolved from Xuan Wu, a divine beast in ancient Chinese mythology. Legend has it that he is one of the incarnations of Tai Shang Lao Jun, the supreme god of Taoism.
Xuan Wu Da Di, also known as Zhen Wu Da Di or Xuan Tian Da Di, is an important deity in Taoism.
His sacred place is at Wu Dang Mountain in Hu Bei.
Xuan Wu Da Di’s birthday is on the third day of the third lunar month.
Xuan Wu Da Di has multiple identities in mythology.
Firstly, he is the god of the north.
The ”Songs of Chu” mentions that Xuan Wu is the name of the god of the north.
People in the Han Dynasty believed that the god of the north was Xuan Wu.
Secondly, he is the god of water.
Since the north belongs to water, the god of the north is also regarded as the god of water.
Furthermore, he is a symbol of the evolution of all things through the interaction of yin and yang, often using the example of a turtle and snake entwined to illustrate the union of yin and yang.
Finally, he is also the god of fate, symbolizing longevity and immortality. People believe that worshipping him can increase their lifespan.
Xuan Wu Da Di’s name changed during the Song Dynasty to avoid taboo associated with the name of Emperor Zhenzong.
In the Ming Dynasty, the belief in Xuan Wu Da Di reached its peak, especially under the promotion of Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di. Wu Dang Mountain became a sacred place of Taoism, and a large number of temples dedicated to Zhen Wu Da Di were built.
Regarding Xuan Wu Da Di’s background, legend has it that he was the prince of Jingle Kingdom. Unwilling to inherit the throne, he chose to practice asceticism.
He encountered Purple Void Yuan Jun and obtained the supreme secret way. After practicing for 42 years at Wu Dang Mountain, he ascended to heaven during the daytime and was granted the title of the god who governs the north by Yu Di (the Jade Emperor). He also renamed Taihe Mountain as Wu Dang Mountain.
The image of Xuan Wu Da Di is usually depicted as having disheveled hair and bare feet, wearing a black robe, holding a sword with an angry expression, and standing on a turtle and a snake.
He is considered the god of war, the god who subdues demons, able to eliminate disasters, control water and fire, protect martial fortune, and prolong life.
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