Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu)

Introduction

The Queen Mother of the West, also known as 'Golden Mother of the Jade Pond,' is the highest-ranking goddess in Taoism. She rules the Jade Pond paradise on Mount Kunlun and commands all female immortals. Legend says her Peach Garden produces peaches of immortality, served at the grand 'Peach Banquet' on the 3rd of the 3rd lunar month. In Taiwan, her worship is centered at Hualien Shen'an Temple and numerous Cihui Hall temples. She holds a unique position as the patron deity of many spirit mediums.

Legend & Origin

Xi Wangmu's worship dates back to the Classic of Mountains and Seas, describing a spirit dwelling on Mount Kunlun. Over millennia, she evolved from a primal deity to an elegant immortal queen.

The most famous legend tells of King Mu of Zhou meeting her at the Jade Pond, where she sang about the brevity of mortal life. Another well-known tale involves Houyi and Chang'e — Xi Wangmu gave the elixir of immortality to Houyi, which Chang'e stole and flew to the moon.

In Taiwan, her worship flourished after 1949, centered on the Cihui Hall system originating from Hualien. These temples practice spirit writing (fuji) to receive divine messages, forming a unique spiritual cultivation culture.

Worship Guide

Offerings include vegetarian fruits, flowers, and longevity peaches, sometimes with sesame oil chicken and oil rice. Her birthday on the 3rd of the 3rd lunar month (the Peach Banquet) features grand celebrations at temples across Taiwan.

Festivals

The Queen Mother's birthday on the 3rd of the 3rd lunar month, known as the 'Peach Banquet,' is the most important festival. Temples across Taiwan hold grand celebrations with rituals and processions.

Famous Temples

⛩️ Hualien Shen An Temple Details →

Hualien County

Hualien's most famous Queen Mother temple and an important center of the Cihui Hall system. Legend says the Queen Mother appeared here to guide the temple's construction.