Temple of the Guardians

Temple of the Guardians

The Temple of the Guardians is a cultural tourism attraction.

Temple of the Guardians: Inside are statues of the two Guardians. Legend has it that the "Hum" Guardian, named Zheng Lun, was originally a general under King Zhou of Shang, serving as the Commander of Grain Supplies. He studied under the hermit Du’e and mastered exceptional skills. The hermit taught him to harness the energy within his body's cavities. When facing enemies, he would let out a hum as loud as a temple bell from his nose, along with a burst of white light that could suck out the enemy’s soul. Relying on this skill, Zheng Lun defeated many opponents. Later, he was captured by a general of King Wu of Zhou and subsequently joined King Wu’s forces, continuing to serve as the grain supply officer.

The "Ha" Guardian, named Chen Qi, was also a general under King Zhou. He received secret techniques from an immortal and cultivated a yellow energy within his belly. When he opened his mouth to “ha,” a surge of yellow energy would spout forth, causing the souls of his opponents to scatter on their own. Chen Qi once battled Zheng Lun, who had defected to Zhou’s side. One hum, one ha—they fought to a standstill. Later, Chen Qi was killed by the Zhou general Huang Feihu. After King Wu overthrew King Zhou, Jiang Ziya returned to the capital to assign divine roles, appointing Zheng Lun and Chen Qi to guard the gates of the two sacred mountains, proclaim teachings, protect treasures, and becoming the deified figures known as the Guardians of Hum and Ha.

According to Buddhist tradition, Chen Qi and Zheng Lun were both mighty guardians of the Buddhist realm, capable of drawing near to the Buddhas. They are night deities holding diamond pestles to protect the Buddha, known as "Vajra Holders." It is said that the Buddha was attended by 500 Vajra Holders who served as guards, with their leader called the "Secret Mark Vajra." Their primary duty was to guard the temple’s main gate, much like traditional door gods. However, in China, door gods usually come in pairs, so this leader was divided in two, standing symmetrically on either side of the hall. Another Buddhist story tells of a king who had 1,000 sons, the youngest two of whom willingly became guardian deities to protect their brothers in their path to Buddhahood.