Bixia Temple, also known as Bixia Shrine (碧霞祠), is located on the southern peak of Mount Tai, near the eastern end of Tianjie (Heaven Street). This temple, nestled against the Da Guan Peak (known for its Tang Dynasty cliff carvings) to the north and flanked by Zhubuting (an ancient imperial resting pavilion) to the east, Zhenyi Ridge to the west, and Baozang Ridge to the south, is a significant site in Taoist worship. Established during the Northern Song Dynasty, Bixia Temple is dedicated to the Taoist goddess Bixia Yuanjun and is the largest ancient architectural complex on Mount Tai.
The temple’s most distinctive feature is the main hall dedicated to Bixia Yuanjun, topped with 360 bronze tiles, symbolizing the number of days in a traditional lunar year. These gleaming bronze tiles reflect sunlight, creating a mystical and radiant atmosphere.
Layout of Bixia Temple
Bixia Temple comprises twelve large buildings, including the main hall and incense pavilion. The temple complex is laid out in two courtyards aligned along a central axis, with symmetrical structures on either side. The central axis includes structures such as the Zhaobi (screen wall), Jinzangku (treasure vault), Nanshenmen (South God Gate), Dashanmen (Great Mountain Gate), Xiangting (incense pavilion), and the main hall. Flanking these are the East and West God Gates, Bell and Drum Towers, East and West Imperial Tablet Pavilions, and East and West Auxiliary Halls. The architectural design features a series of elevations and recessions, with the southern buildings lower than the northern ones, showcasing the high level of ancient Chinese architectural skills and embodying a representative Taoist temple layout.
History of Bixian Temple
According to historical records like “Taoist Chronicles of Mount Tai” and “Records of Dai,” before the Tang Dynasty, the goddess worshiped at the summit of Mount Tai was already referred to as Yunu (Jade Lady) or Yuanjun (Primordial Lady). In 1008, during the Dazhong Xiangfu reign of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, a statue of Yunu was carved and placed in a niche by the Jade Lady Pool. The Yunu Temple was built during the early Song Dynasty and later renamed Zhaozhen Temple during the Jin Dynasty. It was renovated during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Chenghua, Hongzhi, and Jiajing periods, with copper tiles added to the main hall. In 1615, a bronze pavilion was cast (then known as the Golden Pavilion, now located in the Dai Temple). Additional structures such as the Gexi Pavilion and stone pavilions were added during the Qing Dynasty. The temple underwent several reconstructions, notably during the Shunzhi and Qianlong reigns, with further renovations in the Tongzhi era. The Kangxi era saw restoration after damage caused by water, and another significant repair took place in 1835 during the Daoguang reign.
Goddess Bixia
Bixia Yuanjun, also known as the Jade Lady of Mount Tai, is a revered goddess in Chinese folk religion, believed to be the daughter of the God of Mount Tai. She is known for her wide-ranging powers to bless agriculture, commerce, travel, marriage, heal illnesses, and particularly aid in childbirth and protect children. Consequently, women traditionally venerated her with great devotion, and many temples dedicated to Bixia Yuanjun, often called “Nainai Temples,” were established across China. These temples frequently also worshipped associated deities like the Child-Giving Goddess, Birth-Inducing Goddess, Eye-Curing Goddess, and Smallpox Goddess.
The worship of Bixia Yuanjun remains vibrant today, with pilgrims enduring the arduous climb to the summit of Mount Tai to pray and make offerings. Her birthday, celebrated on the 15th day of the third lunar month, sees grand ceremonies held at Bixia Temple and other temples dedicated to her, attracting numerous devotees and maintaining the temple’s lively atmosphere.
