The 36 Daoist Generals
The 36 Daoist Generals, also known as “The 36 Heavenly Geniuses”, are an important group of guardian deities in Taoism. They originated from the ancient worship of the eight stars of the Big Dipper. Taoism believes that there are 36 heavenly geniuses among the stars of the Big Dipper, each star having a god associated with it. Together, they form 36 generals with names and surnames, not just vague references.
Basic Composition and Origin
Multiple sources:
Historical figures: Guan Yu (representative of loyalty and righteousness), Yue Fei (symbol of loyalty)
Taoist masters: Wang Shan (prototype of Wang Lingguan)
Mythical figures: Yin Jiao (the God of the Year), Zhao Gongming (the God of Wealth)
Characters from novels: Some from “The Legend of Fu Sheng” and “Water Margin” and others.
Core function
Guardian Deity of the Temple: Protecting the Taoist temple and the Heavenly Court, and defending against the invasion of evil spirits, is the backbone force of the Taoist guardian system.
Expelling Evil and Suppressing Demons: Responding to the summoning by Taoist priests during rituals, descending to the mortal realm to sweep away the demonic atmosphere and eliminate evil spirits. “The Return of the Supreme Heaven Central Court’s Returning Vehicle Completion Dao Correct Law” states: “The thirty-six Heavenly Garrisons, the Great Deity King in the Heaven… To drive away disasters and calamities for us.”
The Thunder God System: Most of them are Thunder Marshal generals, belonging to “The Supreme Lord of Nine Heavens, Shouldering the Thunder and Praying for Universal Peace”. Their main duties include summoning thunder and rain, punishing evil and promoting good, and saving all living beings.
察看善恶：监督人类世界的对错，记录功过，维护正义，奖惩恶扬。
Representative Deities
1. Wang Lingguan (Wang Shan): The leader of the 500 spirit generals of the Thunder Division, “With three eyes, he can observe all things in the world; with one whip, he can wake up people in the world.” He has a fierce face and a long beard, holding a golden whip. He is the guardian deity of the mountain gate of the Taoist temple, and is responsible for the supervision and inspection between heaven and earth.
2. Guan Yuanshuai (Guan Yu): “The Great Saint Who Slays Demons,” with a blue dragon halberd, a pair of bright phoenix eyes, and a curled eyebrow, he is the embodiment of loyalty and righteousness, protecting the righteous law and expelling evil spirits.
3. Zhao Gongming (Zhao Yuanshuai): “The True One of the Celestial Altar,” with a black tiger mount, a silver whip in hand, he is the leader of the Five Wealth God Corps, attracting wealth and prosperity, driving away evil spirits and eliminating plagues.
4. Ma Yuanshuai (Ma Sheng / Hua Guang): “The God of Battle in the Court,” with three heads, nine eyes, and six arms, blue skin, governing the Fire Division, subduing evil creatures, and being known among the people as “Ma Lord with Three Eyes.”
5. Wen Qiong (Wen Yuanshuai): The first of the Ten Guardians of the Eastern Heaven, with a pale face and red hair, holding a axe, he intimidates ghosts and gods and protects the local peace.
6. Yin Jiao (Yin Yuanshuai): The God of the Year, with three heads and six arms, holding a golden seal, ruling over the four seasons and eight festivals, and suppressing all directions.
Relationship with the True Martial God
In classic works such as “The Northern Travelogue,” the thirty-six generals are described as deities subjugated by the True Martial God (the Celestial Lord of Heaven), all belonging to his command and becoming the main battle generals of the True Martial God in the fight against demons, protecting the righteous law.
Religious Significance
In Taoist rituals, the thirty-six generals are often invited to participate in “Tangjia” and “Quduan” ceremonies. Worshippers pray by offering sacrifices, hoping to:
Expel evil spirits and ward off disasters: Protect the home from evil spirits invading
Save lives and protect oneself: Escape danger in dangerous moments
Health and safety: Eliminate disasters and cure diseases, prolong life
事业成功：晋升官职，增加财富。
