Main Hall of Da Wang Temple

Main Hall of Da Wang Temple

The Main Hall of Da Wang Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Yangzhou City.

Commonly known as the God of Wealth Temple of Han Gou, Da Wang Temple was originally located beside the northern official river near Bianyi Gate. Legend has it that the stone furnace in front of the hall had no top — when incense was thrown into it, it turned to ashes instantly; beneath the furnace was a water hole which never dried up even in rainy weather, and where silver-colored sand would rise. In early spring each year, worshippers flocked here, making it known as the God of Wealth Festival. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, the sound of firecrackers filled the air while music played throughout the night. Two couplets in the temple read: “Rare are halls with two kings under heaven; unique is a temple gate facing due north.”

In 2007, Han Gou Da Wang Temple was rebuilt on the north bank at the confluence of the ancient Han Gou and the ancient Grand Canal, at No. 9 Zhuxi Road. The reconstructed Han Gou Da Wang Temple is a group of antique-style buildings, situated about 500 meters northeast of the original site. The new temple's north gate bears the plaque “Han Gou Da Wang Temple.” The main hall faces south, with a plaque reading “Grace Extended Over Wu and Yue” hanging above. Inside the hall, on the shrine stand two statues in flowing robes and commanding presence — to the east is King Fuchai of Wu, and to the west is King Liu Bi of Wu. In front of the hall are two pairs of couplets: “Once bestowed virtue through benevolence and might; heroes judged not by success or fall,” and “Left love and became deities, folk customs pass on with borrowed treasures; descended to grant peace, harmonious times enjoy prosperity.” These inscriptions reflect the deep gratitude of the people of Yangzhou toward the two Kings of Wu.

Further Reading:

· List of the Fifth Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units in Yangzhou City