Guangfu Temple

Guangfu Temple

Guangfu Temple is located by the Meitan River in Lijiaping, Dabu County, covering an area of about 10 acres and is a renowned Taoist temple in eastern Guangdong. It is an elegant and classic building with distinct ethnic characteristics, long regarded as a blessed place. Owing to its location by the Meitan River, where mountain views and water reflections enhance one another, it is one of the county’s historic Eight Scenic Spots, acclaimed as the “Emerald Waters and Red Temple.” The main hall enshrines the Divine Physician Bao Sheng Da Di (God of Medicine), while other structures include the outer mountain gate, east and west corridors, theater stage, release pond, flower corridor, pavilions, and Tongxing Tower—all funded by overseas Chinese, compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, and local benefactors. The temple grounds are richly planted with flowers and trees, offering a serene and beautiful environment.

The Legend of the Divine Physician Bao Sheng Da Di

Bao Sheng Da Di, whose surname was Wu and given name Tao, was a native of Baisha Township, Tong’an County, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. He was born in the year

979 (the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song Dynasty) and passed away in 1036 at the age of 58. Wu Tao was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and was known as a child prodigy. Diligent and studious, he developed a keen interest in medicine. He maintained a vegetarian diet throughout his life, never married, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the study of medicine. With guidance from a master, his medical skills became profound. He refined elixirs, gathered medicinal herbs, practiced medicine to heal the sick, and was known for his noble medical ethics, earning deep reverence among the people. In 1032, when Zhangzhou and Quanzhou suffered prolonged droughts and severe famine, leaving the land devastated and people starving, Wu Tao exhausted his family savings to provide relief to disaster victims. The following year, when an epidemic and malaria broke out affecting many, he freely treated the sick and distributed medicine, saving countless lives. Later, while climbing cliffs to gather herbs, he fell and sustained fatal injuries. Later generations, moved by his virtuous deeds, built temples to worship him. Successive imperial courts also held his compassionate acts of saving lives in high esteem, bestowing numerous honorary titles. In 1425, Emperor Renzong of the Ming Dynasty conferred upon Wu the title “Imperial Inspector, Divine Physician, True Lord of Immortality, Eternal Longevity, Bao Sheng Da Di,” awarded him an imperial robe, and had a palace constructed in his honor—granting him supreme recognition. From then on, the title “Bao Sheng Da Di” became widely known, while his original name, Wu Tao, faded into obscurity.

There are many miraculous and moving legends about Bao Sheng Da Di. For instance, he cured the Empress Dowager’s mastitis by using thread to channel energy through her pulse. During the fierce battle between Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, and Chen Youliang on Poyang Lake, Bao Sheng Da Di upheld justice, performed magic in the clouds, and reversed the wind direction to help Zhu turn defeat into victory. Though Guangfu Temple is located by the river at a low elevation, it has never been flooded. During the most devastating flood in the Gui-Si year of the Qing Dynasty, from afar it could be seen floating safely above the waters.

Religious Activities at Guangfu Temple

Guangfu Temple attracts a large number of devotees and enjoys flourishing incense offerings. The faithful hold boundless reverence for Bao Sheng Da Di, and the temple’s influence extends far and wide. Auspicious prayers are held in the first lunar month, the Divine Physician’s birthday on the fifteenth day of the third month, and the Grand Blessing during the Mid-Autumn Festival are all vibrant celebrations, featuring traditional performances such as folk music, gongs, drums, and theatrical shows. Many overseas Chinese return to their hometowns in groups, while pilgrims from elsewhere travel great distances to pay homage and pray for peace. Worshiping Bao Sheng Da Di is not only a religious faith and spiritual sustenance but also serves as a bond to commemorate virtuous predecessors and connect overseas Chinese and local benefactors both at home and abroad.