Tai Chang Temple

Tai Chang Temple

Tai Chang Temple is located on the rugged ridges northeast of Nan Yan, at an altitude of 1048 meters. Due to the frequent presence of rosy clouds and mist in the area, it was historically also known as "Yun Xia Temple" (Cloud and Mist Temple). Architectural structures were first built here during the Yuan Dynasty, and the temple was rebuilt in the 16th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty.

Legend has it that there was once a highly skilled Taoist physician on Mount Wudang named Tai Chang. He cured the illness of the Empress Dowager but refused any reward. The Emperor then ordered the construction of this temple on Mount Wudang and bestowed upon it the name “Tai Chang Temple” in honor of the Taoist’s title, so that future generations would remember him. Another story says that Tai Chang was one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, and Tai Chang Temple was a place dedicated to worshipping this deity. Therefore, the temple enshrines the sacred image of Laozi, the revered deity of Taoism.

The statue of Laozi stands 1.96 meters tall, covered in gold leaf and painted in colors. Its expression is solemn yet benevolent, as if delivering a sermon or lost in deep meditation.

This statue is of extremely high artistic quality. Both its form and expression perfectly reflect the ancient traditional culture’s understanding of Laozi’s philosophy, vividly showcasing the cosmic, life, and behavioral views of “tranquility and non-action.” It is not only a precious cultural relic but also a fine work of art.

Tai Chang Temple also enshrines a statue of Dou Mu (the Mother of the Big Dipper). This sculpture depicts her with three eyes, four heads, and eight arms—four on each side—holding various weapons such as the sun, moon, bow, and arrows. The entire figure is made of paper-armature silk weaving and color painting, making it extremely rare and valuable.

Dou Mu Yuan Jun, abbreviated as “Dou Mu,” is also referred to as “Dou Mu Yuan Jun” or “Zhong Tian Fan Qi Dou Mu Yuan Jun.” “Dou” refers to the stars of the Big Dipper, and “Mu” means mother. Taoist scriptures state that Dou Mu is the “Mother of the Big Dipper Stars.”

The “Yu Qing Wu Shang Ling Bao Zi Ran Bei Dou Ben Zhen Jing” (The Jade Clarity Supreme Numinous Treasure Natural Big Dipper Original True Scripture) records that Dou Mu was originally the beloved consort of King Zhou Yu during the Long Han era, known as “Lady of Purple Light.” She gave birth to nine sons for the king. The eldest son became the Heavenly Emperor (also known as Gouchen Shanggong Tianhuang Dadi, one of the Four Sovereigns), and the second son became the Purple Star Emperor (another of the Four Sovereigns, Zhongtian Ziwu Beidou Dadi). The other seven sons are respectively Tan Lang, Ju Men, Lu Cun, Wen Qu, Lian Zhen, Wu Qu, and Po Jun—the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper. Additionally, although Dou Mu Yuan Jun is a Taoist deity, she is also considered an evolution of the Buddhist and Indian cultural figure “Marici Bodhisattva.”

Some major Taoist temples also have a Dou Mu Hall. The birthday of Dou Mu is said to be either the 20th of June or the 9th of September. Taoists often hold prayer ceremonies for offspring or longevity in the Dou Mu Hall of temples, praying for health, long life, and the safety of their descendants.

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