Xingtai Huoshen Temple

Xingtai Huoshen Temple

Xingtai Huoshen Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Xingtai Huoshen Temple, also known as the Temple of the True Deity of the God of Fire, is located at No. 96, east side of the southern end of Fufuqian Street, Qiaodong District, Xingtai City. It was first built in the fourth year of the Tianshun era during the Ming Dynasty, which corresponds to 1460 AD. During the late Qing Dynasty and the Republican era, it underwent various degrees of renovation and expansion. It now covers an area of 1,771 square meters, with six existing structures, retaining the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty.

Unlike traditional Chinese architectural complexes that feature a central axis, the layout of Huoshen Temple is characterized by its compact structure and ingenious use of the terrain. This is largely due to its location within the barbican, where the limited space did not allow for the development of a central axis with multiple buildings arranged on either side.

Upon entering the main gate of the Huoshen Temple, there is a second gate to the north. Inside, facing south, is the main structure of the temple — the Hall of the True Deity. The hall is three bays wide and four bays deep, with a floor area of 105 square meters. Inside the hall is a statue of the True Deity of the God of Fire, flanked by the Pioneer God Fang Bi on the left and the Manifestation God Fang Xiang on the right.

On either side of the main Hall of the True Deity are two wing halls: the eastern wing is the Hall of the Medicine King, dedicated to Sun Simiao, the God of Medicine; the western wing is the Hall of the Plague God, dedicated to Lü Yue, the God of Plague. On the northern side of the city wall, there is also a Hall of the God of Wealth. After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang Dynasty, Jiang Ziya, under the decree of the Primordial Celestial Worthy, bestowed titles upon numerous deities. The Star Lord of Wealth and Fabrics was titled the Star Lord of the Big Dipper, and later by Laozi as the Civil God of Wealth, who helps diligent and kind-hearted people prosper financially. The Martial God of Wealth includes figures such as Zhao Gongming and Guan Yu.

In the eastern courtyard of the Huoshen Temple, the main hall is the Hall of the Goddess, dedicated to the consort of the True Deity of the God of Fire — essentially the “queen” of the Fire God and also a deity of healing, especially skilled in treating external injuries and excelling in curing various swellings. Hence, she is commonly referred to as “Grandma Swelling.” To the east of the Hall of the Goddess is the Child-Giving Hall, which faces west and is dedicated to the Goddess of Childbirth.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province