City god
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City god | |||||||||||
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Chinese: | 城隍 | ||||||||||
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City gods or town gods are deities in Chinese mythology, responsible for the affairs of the city. There are temples dedicated to the local town gods in many medium to large cities of China.
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[edit] Forbidden City
The Forbidden City in Beijing, being a walled city in its own right, has its own city god. The temple is located in the northwestern corner of the palace complex. Much of the contents were destroyed in the Cultural Revolution. It is not open to the public.
[edit] Hong Kong
A temple is located at the junction of Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Kam Wa Street, in Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. The temple was built in 1877 and originally named "Fook Tak Tsz"(福德祠). This gives a feeling that there is a "temple in a temple" (廟內有廟). With the advantage of being conveniently located near the Shau Kei Wan tram terminal, the temple is frequented by many local residents.
Deities To Ti (土地), Shing Wong, Ng Tung (五通神) are enshrined in the temple. Deity To Ti is in change of earth and is also called "Fook Tak Kung" (福德公). Deity Ng Tung is in charge of wealth, time, as well as good fortune.
[edit] Shanghai
The City God Temple in the old city of Shanghai is an important civic and commercial centre. It, the nearby Yuyuan Garden, and the surrounding commercial district, is today one of the city's key tourist attractions.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Town God Temple, About.com - Chinese Culture