Tuo Ta Tian Wang – King of Heavens the Support of Pagoda
In the belief of Chinese People, Tho Tak Thien Ong is a General of Heavens who led the officers of heavens, in general considered him a God of Taoism, but actually Tho Tak Thien Ong was one of 四大天王 Si Da Tian Wang {Si Twa Thien Ong = Four Kings of Heavens} in Buddhism, namely 北方多聞天王 Bei Fang Duo Wen Thian Wang (the most famous King of North Heavens); also called 毗沙門天王 Pi Sa Men Tian Wang.
Pi Sa Men Tian Wang is one of Si Da Tian Wang (Four Kings of Heavens), became A Guardian Angle of & Conqueror of devil in Buddhism. Since he supported a Buddhist pagoda with his palm, so that he was called 托塔天王 Tuo Ta Tian Wang {Hok Kian = Tho Tak Thien Ong}, meaning King of Heavens the Support of Pagoda.
Pi Sa Men Tian Wang was honored universally inter alia in India & Tibet. He is sometimes adored and a God of the Winner of Warfare. In addition to, Pi Sa Men Tian Wang was also called as one of Seven Gods of Fortune in Buddhism, because he could give blessing of luck to his people.
Appearance of God of Tho Tak Thien Ong generally has the shape of a King with the feet stepped on 2 satans, his left hand lifted a small pagoda & his right hand gripped a gada mestika (cudgel of magic jewel). His another appearance was depicted with a hand holding umbrella, mouse, snake & dragon.
After Tho Tak Thien Ong entered China, gradually this Buddhist figure changed into Tho Tak Thien Ong of Chinese version, namely 托塔李天王 Tho Tak Li Thien Ong. Addition of this Li clan because it is linked to Li Jing who originated from Shan Xi Province, a well-known warlord who was meritorious in helping Emperor Li Shi Min {Lie Se Bin} established Tang Dynasty.
In 封神演義 Feng Shen Yan Yi {Hong Sin Yen Gi = Story of God’s Bestowal}, was mentioned than Tho Tak Thien Ong is 李靖 Li Jing {Li Ceng}, a warlord who had ever been stationed in Chen Tang Guan city & ever helped King Zhou Wu Wang to topple tyrannical King Zhou Wang (the latest king of Shang Dynasty: + B.C 16th Century– B.C 11th Century). After succeeding helping the King established Zhou Dynasty, Li Ceng came back to his native village, dedicated her full attention to develop himself. Finally he succeeded to attain the sanctity
Li Ceng has ever learned to 度厄真人 Du E Zhen Ren. From his marriage he was blessed with 3 sons: 金吒 Jin Zha {Kim Cia}, 木吒 Mu Zha {Bok Cia}, 哪吒 Na Zha {Lo Cia}.
When Li Ceng sent armed troops to destroy the cruel King Zhou, unpredictably he was even at enmity with his c son. Li Ceng was not equal to his third son, then Li Ceng asked for support to Tai Yi Zhen Ren {Thay It Cin Jin} who gave him a small heirloom pagoda, then Li Ceng could conquest his third son, Lo Cia. This Pagoda was finally become an inherent specific characteristic to his epithet, namely Tuo Ta Tian Wang {Tho Tak Thien Ong = King of Heavens the Support of Pagoda}!
In 西遊記 Xi You Ji {Se Yu Ki} Journey Records to Western, by 玉皇大帝 Yu Huang Da Di {Giok Hong Tay Te = Almighty God of Emperor Giok} Li Ceng was designated to be a General of Heavens who led the officers of heavens. Every time he led the heaven troop, Lo Cia became the commander of pioneering troop.
God of Tho Tak Thien Ong was very famous in the circle of Chine people. During Tang & Song dynasties era, where Buddhism reached its golden age, family of Emperor pushes the adoration to Tho Tak Li Thien Ong, so that in each city was established Tian Wang Ci {Thien Ong Su} temple as a symbol of the Kingdom’s authority.
In Taiwan there are only few temples to adore Tho Tak Thien Ong. 天王宮 Tian Wang Gong Temple in Ji Long city makes Tho Tak Thien Ong as a host. In addition, Tho Tak Thien Ong was also adored 文殊殿 Wen Su Dian & 天池壇 Tian Chi Tan.
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Tuo Ta Tian Wang – King of Heavens the Support of Pagoda
