The Jade Emperor - Ruler of Heaven and Earth
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The Jade Emperor ( 玉皇上帝 Yu Huang Shang Di or 玉皇大帝 Yu Huang Da Dì, Hokkian: Giok Hong Siong Tee ) is the Supreme Ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell according to Chinese mythology. He is one of the most important gods in the Chinese belief. The Sun Deity, Star Deity, Thunder Deity, and Wind Deity are some of His assistants.
Origin
It was said that the Jade Emperor was the son of Emperor 淨德國王 Jing De and Empress 寳月光皇后 Bao Yue Guang of Guang Yan Miao Le, kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments. At birth he emitted a wondrous light that filled the entire kingdom. When he was young, he was kind, intelligent and wise. He devoted his entire childhood to helping the needy (the poor and suffering, the deserted and single, the hungry and disabled). Furthermore, he showed respect and benevolence to both men and creatures. After his father died, he ascended the throne. He made sure that everyone in his kingdom found peace and contentment. After that, he told his ministers that he wished to cultivate Tao on the Bright and Fragrant Cliff. After 1,550 kalpas, each kalpa lasting for 129,600 years, he attained Golden Immortality. After another one hundred million years of cultivation, he finally became the Jade Emperor, residing on the summit of the 33-Heaven in a palace called Ling Xiao Bao Dian.
In ancient time, only emperors and his royal family could worship the Jade Emperor for they believed that Shang Di was their ancestor who granted them the sovereignty to rule their kingdom. The commoner were forbidden to worship the Jade Emperor for by doing so, could disregard and disrespect the royal status, and was punishable by death.
The ritual was conducted only by the royal family, with the emperor as the supreme priest, and his family members and high officials as his helpers. Tian Tan or The Temple of Heaven, situated in Beijing, was the venue, with characters Huang TianShang Di engraved at the summit of the temple which still remain until now.
The commoners carried out their worship of the Jade Emperor at their homes; by the front door or side walks. By simply offering incense and candles, they prostrated to Heaven. It was only after the Song Dynasty that emperors’ reigns ease the law against commoners worshipping Jade Emperor. The Hokkian, especially, regard Jade Emperor as God Almighty for He is the ruler of the entire universe.
In modern temples, statue (arca) or picture of Jade Emperor is rarely found because in making offerings of incense and candles, one simply prostrates to Heaven, and stick the incense in the Tian Gong Lu / Hiolo Thi Kong situated in the main hall of the temple. Prostration and offering are first made to Jade Emperor prior to others deities in the temple in regard that Tian or Heaven will provide guidance through the deities in resolving a matter or granting wishes.
There are some temples that only worship Jade Emperor as the main deity, with picture resembling an emperor in ancient robe, holding a Hu or talisman, an object made from tusk used by ancient high officials in attending a royal court, on one hand.
Jade Emperor is the Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth, representing God in ruling the universe, holding a Hu used during a heavenly ceremonial event in meeting with His superior, God Almighty.
