Ming Shen'guan Temple in Nanjing

Ming Shen'guan Temple in Nanjing

Ming Shen'guan Temple in Nanjing

Originally named the Palace of the True Martial Emperor, it was dedicated to the Taoist deity “True Martial Emperor.” In the 12th year of the Hongwu reign (1379), the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty decreed its establishment as the “Shen'guan” (Divine Music Office). Ming Shen'guan Temple was listed as one of the Forty-Eight Scenic Spots of Jinling, known as “The Divine Music Immortal Capital.”

The Li Quan Well Stele was erected in the 4th year of the Yongle reign. The spring water was the purified water used for imperial Heaven Worship ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven during the Hongwu, Jianwen, and Yongle reigns of the Ming Dynasty. Legend says, “Sweet dew descends from heaven, and the Li Quan Spring emerges from the earth.” It was believed the well’s water came from the heavens. In the winter of the 4th year of the Yongle reign, one day when Emperor Yongle ascended the altar to worship heaven, his sincerity moved heaven and earth. The next day, auspicious clouds gathered and cranes soared through the sky. Upon hearing the report, the emperor immediately led all his ministers to Chaotian Palace to kowtow to the heavens, which further moved the divine. That very night, sweet dew fell upon Zhongshan Mountain, and by morning, the Li Quan Spring emerged at the Shen'guan Temple.

Even during prolonged droughts, the Li Quan Spring never dried up. Today, the location of the Ming Shen'guan Temple is lost, with only a hexagonal well curb, flagstones, steps, and a stone basin remaining. There is also an ancient cypress tree. According to legend, this tree was planted by Emperor Yongle himself, symbolizing his devout prayers for rain. Despite its age, the tree remains lush and verdant. In the 18th year of the Guangxu reign, the site was designated as part of the Xuanwu Mountain Historical Relics Protection Zone. These two relics are preserved at today’s Southeast University campus. It is recommended that visitors come here to experience the solemn atmosphere of ancient worship sites and support their continued preservation.