Dongyue the Great
Mount Tai, revered as Dongyue, the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak, is located in Shandong Province and is considered the foremost of the sacred mountains in Chinese culture. According to “The Comprehensive Collection of Divine Origins from the Three Teachings,” Dongyue is the progeny of the celestial lineage of Pangu, born to King Jinlun and the fairy Mi Lun. Historically recognized for his divine merits at Mount Changbai, he was consecrated through various titles across dynasties, culminating as “Dongyue Tian Qi Ren Sheng Di” during the Song dynasty.
Mount Tai, known as “Tian Qi,” symbolizes a celestial bridge as high as heaven itself. Offering sacrifices at its summit has been a sacred act to honor the heavens and seek spiritual ascension. As a pivotal cosmic center where yin meets yang, Mount Tai is believed to govern the beginnings of all life and the fates of all beings.
The worship of Dongyue is managed through the “Seventy-Two Offices” at Dongyue temples, which oversee both divine and human affairs, from the afterlife to earthly fortunes. Celebrations on March 28th, marking Dongyue’s divine birth, involve extensive Taoist ceremonies aimed at longevity and spiritual elevation, while also providing rituals to expedite the ascension of souls to the heavenly realms.