Che Kung
Che Kung (Chinese: 車公; pinyin: Chēgōng; lit.: 'Lord Che'), also known as Che Da Yuan Shuai (車大元帥; 'Che, the Great Warrior') was originally a military commander of Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), who, according to lore, had supreme power to suppress rebellion and was renowned for his loyalty to the Emperor.[1] He was also famous for his power to suppress plagues and his skill in medicine.[2] He is believed by some worshipers to have been involved in the attempt to keep the Song state alive by bringing Prince Ping and his brother to the South.[3] He is now considered a god of protection.
Life
Che Kung was a native of Nanchang, in Jiangxi Province of China.[1] As a military commander he saved the southern regions of China from disorder. Also, he appeared in the villagers dreams who suffered from a plague. Later on, the plague was over and the villagers thought that Che Kung saved them from diseases. Daoists regarded him as a god due to his contributions. Inside a temple of Che Kung, pinwheels can always be found next to his effigy. It is believed that the one who rotates the pinwheel at a certain direction can get good luck. The Birthday of Che Kung is celebrated on the second day of Chinese New Year.
See also
- Che Kung Miu: temples dedicated to Che Kung
- The Birthday of Che Kung: a celebration dedicated to Che Kung
References
External links
Media related to Che Kung at Wikimedia Commons - Hong Kong Tourism Board