慈惠堂之旅 | 紐約慈惠堂的傳統與信仰 | Tsu Huei Temple Guide
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Introduction to the Main Goddess

The Golden Mother of the Jade Pond,
also known as Queen Mother of the West, Primordial Lady Golden Mother, or Lady Mother of the West.

She is an important goddess in Chinese Taoism and folk religion, symbolizing immortality and eternity. As the guardian of longevity and bliss, she is regarded as one of the supreme female deities in the cosmos. Revered for her exalted status, she is widely worshipped and deeply respected.

Origin and Iconography
The Golden Mother of the Jade Pond traces her origins to ancient Chinese texts such as the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing) and The Tale of King Mu (Mu Tianzi Zhuan). She is depicted as dwelling in the celestial paradise of Mount Kunlun, where she presides over the elixir of immortality.
In Taoist scriptures, she is described as a deity born from the primordial yin energy of the cosmos, serving as the sovereign of the West, and is regarded as the counterpart to the King Father of the East (Dongwang Gong).
In literature and art, she is often portrayed as a graceful and compassionate goddess, holding peaches of immortality, draped in radiant clouds, and wearing a majestic headdress, symbolizing motherhood and life-giving vitality.

Ritual Worship
Her sacred birthday falls on the 18th day of the 7th lunar month, during which Taoist temples across regions hold grand and solemn ceremonies in her honor.
Many temples—such as those dedicated specifically to the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu)—venerate her as the principal deity. Devotees pray to her for health, longevity, and family harmony.

The belief in the Golden Mother of the Jade Pond is deeply rooted in Taoist tradition and has also spread to other parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Korea, making her a profound spiritual symbol of Chinese culture.