An Overview of Taoist Thunder Gods

In the belief system of Taoism , numerous thunder gods reside in the Heavenly Court, including the Supreme Lord of Thunder who commands their entire division, Leisheng Puhua Tianzun (Universal Lord of Thunder and Salvation), and generals/marshals who lead thunder troops.

Leisheng Puhua Tianzun is also titled "Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua Tianzun" (Universal Lord of Thunder and Salvation Responding to Primordial Heaven) and "Jiutian Zhenming Dasheng" (Great Sage of Nine Heavens of Purity and Brightness). According to Taoist scriptures—most of which are collected in The Daozang —Leisheng Puhua Tianzun is the supreme ruler of the Five Thunders, overseeing the Three Realms (Heaven, Earth, and Mortals). He holds the decrees of the Thirty-Six Thunders, governs celestial blessings and disasters, weighs the fate of all creatures, controls the life and death of humans and all things, and exercises absolute authority over thunder and lightning. The operational logic of thunder and lightning here implicitly follows the cycle of Five Elements (Wuxing) in Taoist philosophy, maintaining the balance of all things.

The belief in Leisheng Puhua Tianzun is widespread among the Chinese people. Lidai Shenxian Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals Through the Ages) Volume 4 states that after Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) attained the Dao and ascended to heaven, he was conferred the title of "Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua Zhenwang" (True King of Universal Thunder and Salvation Responding to Primordial Heaven) and resided in Leicheng (Thunder City). Thunder City stands 81 zhang high (an ancient Chinese unit of length), with the "Yushu Wulei Shiyuan" (Jade Pivot Five Thunder Envoy Court) on the left and "Yufu Wulei Shiyuan" (Jade Mansion Five Thunder Envoy Court) on the right. In front of the True King, there are 36 thunder drums, each managed by a thunder deity. Whenever thunder needs to be unleashed, the True King personally strikes the thunder drum of his division once, and immediately Lei Gong (Thunder God) and Lei Shi (Thunder Master) generate thunderclaps.

In Journey to the West (a classic Chinese novel), at Sun Wukong’s request, Leisheng Puhua Tianzun dispatched Masters Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao, leading all true deities of the Thunder Department, to descend to the mortal world with the Great Sage to perform magic. Through the portrayal in such literary works, the worship of Leisheng Puhua Tianzun became even more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

Beneath revered Taoist deities, there are respective Dharma-protecting marshals. For example, the Supreme Lord of Purple Star has the "Four Holy Marshals"; Leisheng Puhua Tianzun has the "Twenty-Four Heavenly Lords of Dharma Protection"; and Zhenwu (True Martial Emperor) has the "Ten Great Marshals". Obeying the orders of heavenly lords and supreme emperors, these marshals patrol the heavens, summon winds and wield thunderbolts, slay ghosts and eliminate demons, and benefit all living beings. The most renowned among them are the "Beiji Sisi" (Four Holy Marshals of the North Pole)—Tianpeng, Tianyou, Yisheng, and Xuanwu. Records of their divine duties and symbolic meanings can be found in the The Dongshen Section of The Daozang .

Daofa Huiyuan (Collected Yuan of Taoist Methods) Volume 169 states: "The profound virtues of the Four Holy Marshals permeate the Three Realms, and their divine power extends to the eight extremes of the universe. They are the great marshals of the Big Dipper’s handle and the mighty gods of the Northern Emperor, commanding the Four Heavenly Soldiers and overseeing the exorcism of all ghosts and demons."

Taishang Jiutian Yanxiang Di’e Sisi Miaojing (The Supreme Scripture of the Nine Heavens for Extending Blessings and Eliminating Disasters by the Four Sages) notes: "The Four Holy Marshals permanently guard the Jade Emperor’s palace, governing and subduing all demons and evil spirits in the Three Realms. Every year, they descend to the mortal world to observe people’s good deeds, bestow prosperity and auspiciousness, enlighten the deluded, cut off the roots of evil, and prolong people’s lifespan and fortune."

Marshal Tianpeng is the leader of the Four Holy Marshals. He has three heads and six arms, with red hair, crimson robes, and bare feet, holding magical artifacts and weapons in his hands. Daofa Huiyuan Volume 156 records: "The marshal’s surname is Bian and given name is Zhuang; he is the incarnation of the Polaris of Destruction in the Big Dipper and the reincarnation of the Golden Eyebrow Lord Laozi. The marshal is extremely powerful and specializes in subduing demons and monsters. No thunder magic can manifest its effect without invoking Tianpeng." Attendants follow the marshal, who sometimes rides a kui dragon (a mythical creature), leading 360,000 divine soldiers, along with Lei Gong (Thunder God), Dian Mu (Lightning Mother), Feng Bo (Wind Master), Yu Shi (Rain Teacher), immortal boys, and jade maidens, to perform spells wherever they go.

The second of the Four Holy Marshals is Marshal Tianyou. He resides on the right side of the Jade Emperor’s Bright Hall, assisting the Northern Emperor above and overseeing the Nine Provinces below. With four arms on his shoulders and three heads on his neck, he wears golden armor and holds spears. He patrols the Five Great Mountains, guards the Youjie (Underworld) of Fengdu, slays all demons he encounters, and captures all ghosts he meets.

The third of the Four Holy Marshals is Marshal Yisheng, also known as "Heisha Yuan 帅" (Black Killing Marshal). He commands the decrees of the Three Grottoes and Five Thunders, leading Lei Gong, Dian Mu, and troops that resemble rain of swords and clouds of formations. He travels across the world to exorcise evil, slay ghosts, eliminate the Five Plagues, subdue water monsters, protect residences from disasters, brighten the sun and moon, and wield power that shakes heaven and earth. Marshal Yisheng was highly revered by the imperial family of The Song Dynasty ; as early as the early Song Dynasty, he became a major deity protecting the Song royal family. Emperor Taizong ordered the construction of the Shangqing Taiping Palace on Wudang Mountain ; during the Three Yuan Festivals and the birthdays of various immortals, rituals were held to worship the deity. Marshal Yisheng (revered as "Yisheng Zhenjun") often descended to the mortal world to eliminate evils and subdue monsters, with countless records of his miracles.

The fourth of the Four Holy Marshals is Marshal Zhenwu, who is the incarnation of the Xu and Wei stars in the Northern Dipper. He is depicted with disheveled hair, wearing black robes, golden armor, and a jade belt, holding a sword with angry eyes, standing on a turtle and a snake, and surrounded by a circular halo—an extremely powerful image. As the folk worship of Zhenwu became increasingly popular, Marshal Zhenwu was later promoted to "Xuanwu Dadi" (Emperor Xuanwu) and "Xuantian Shangdi" (Supreme Emperor of Mysterious Heaven), aligning with the evolution of Taoist Deities worship in Chinese history.

Deng Bowen, Zhang Yuanbo, and Xin Hanchen are known as the "Leiting Sanshuai" (Three Marshals of Thunder). According to Taoist scriptures, Deng Bowen once followed Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) to defeat Chiyou (a mythical tribal leader) and was conferred the title of "Henan General". After witnessing Huangdi’s ascension to heaven, Deng abandoned his official position and went to Wudang Mountain to practice Taoism for a hundred years, eventually gaining the ability to rise and fall with qi (vital energy). Seeing people disregard loyalty and filial piety, kill, plunder, bully the weak, and imperial ministers fail to uphold justice, he made a great vow day and night to become a divine thunder to punish evildoers on behalf of Heaven. His resolve was so strong that his anger soared to the heavens. One day, he suddenly transformed: with a phoenix’s beak, silver teeth, red hair, and a blue body; holding a thunder drill in his left hand and a thunder hammer in his right; standing a hundred zhang tall; with wings growing under his armpits (which darkened hundreds of li when spread); two beams of fire shooting from his eyes (illuminating a hundred li); and dragon claws on his hands and feet. He flew in the void, devouring evil spirits and slaying monster dragons. The Jade Emperor conferred on him the title of "Lvling Dashen" (Great God of Commandments) and placed him under the jurisdiction of the Divine Thunder Department.

Zhang Yuanbo is a descendant of Huangdi and holds the position of managing thunder talismans and decrees. His appearance changes with time, appearing magical: with red hair, a green face, three eyes, and bare feet; riding a fire dragon; wearing a crimson robe and golden armor; holding a fire halberd; with a ghost-like shape and protruding fangs. Sometimes he appears with a fleshy head, red hair, a green face, a phoenix’s beak, a blue body, fleshy wings, phoenix claws on hands and feet, golden rings, green tassels around his body, a red skirt with fluttering sashes; holding a thunder axe in his right hand and a thunder drill in his left, or a flag in his right hand and a document in his left. Divine beings such as "Pogang" (Breaking Astral), "Fengliu" (Wind Flow), "Jinhuoling" (Golden Fire Bell), and "Kaitianmen" (Opening Heavenly Gate) follow him.

Xin Hanchen is also known as "Leiting Sanshisan Tian Dudu Qingdi Tianjun" (Great Governor of the Thirty-Three Heavens of Thunder and Heavenly Lord of the Green Emperor). He has red hair, an iron face, silver teeth like swords; wearing a cow-ear hat and a green cloud robe, with black boots; holding a register in his left hand and a thunder brush in his right (with flames on it). He travels between the Three Realms, commanding Feng Bo, Yu Shi, Pili (Thunderbolt), and Dian Mu; executing Heavenly decrees on behalf of Heaven; saving and assisting all people; capturing evil spirits; and destroying ghost strongholds.

Marshal Gao is also known as "Jiutian Jiansheng Dashen" (Great God of Overseeing Birth in the Nine Heavens). He wears golden armor, holds a sword in his right hand, and a tray with a baby in his left. According to Taoist scriptures, Marshal Gao was conceived from the essence of "Shiyuan Taiyi" (Primordial Great Unity) and was born to the Gao family in Cangzhou. He was a disciple of "Yaoshi Tianzun" (Medicine Master Heavenly Lord), with a face like a jade crown and the Taoist name "Yuan". He was taught immortal elixirs to heal people in the world, curing countless strange diseases. After traveling widely (both within and beyond the mortal realm) and saving numerous lives, the Jade Emperor, sympathizing with his hardships in practicing benevolence, conferred on him the title of "Jiutian Jiansheng Gao Yuanshuai" (Marshal Gao of Overseeing Birth in the Nine Heavens).

Marshal Yin Jiao is also known as "Shangqing Wuchun Mengli Taisui" (Vigorous Heavenly Officer of Shangqing), "Disisi Mengli Taisui" (Vigorous Heavenly Officer of Earth Department), and "Disisi Tai Sui Da Weide Shenwang" (Great Virtuous Divine King of Earthly Taisui). According to Taoist scriptures, Yin Jiao was the son of King Zhou of Shang (a tyrannical ruler in Chinese mythology) but was slandered by Daji (King Zhou’s concubine) and abandoned in the wilderness. Crows shielded him from the sun, and white deer fed him milk. When Zhenren Jindin (Golden Cauldron Immortal) passed by, he took Yin Jiao back to Shuilian Cave, asked Immortal Hexian Gu (Immortal Aunt He) to nurse him, and gave him the Taoist name "Jinding Nu" and the formal name "Jin Nezha". Because he was abandoned in the wilderness, his childhood name was "Yin Jiao". Later, he practiced Taoism and attained enlightenment: in the Tianfei Babao Cave (Heavenly Concubine’s Eight Treasures Cave), he obtained a yellow battle axe and a golden bell, and subdued the "Xuan Shenya Jiang" (Black Divine Crow General); he then went to Saozhou Mountain to conquer the Twelve Gods of Funeral and returned with their heads hanging around his neck. Later, he assisted King Wu of Zhou in overthrowing King Zhou, serving as the vanguard, displaying great bravery in battle, and personally beheading Daji to avenge his family. His depictions include: a green face with tied hair, a topknot on his head, red hair on his temples, a crimson robe, a skull on his head, nine skulls around his neck; holding a golden bell in his left hand and a yellow axe in his right; riding nine golden oxen. Sometimes he appears with a topknot, a green face, a child-like appearance, nine skulls around his neck, one skull on his forehead; naked, with wind sashes, a red skirt, and bare feet; holding a yellow axe in his left hand and a golden bell in his right. Other depictions show him with a green face, a green body, a golden crown, red hair, a crimson robe, black sashes tied around his waist; holding the sun in his left hand and the moon in his right (upper body); holding an axe in his right hand and a golden bell in his left (lower body); with twelve skulls hanging around his neck. However, his basic feature is the presence of skulls on his head and neck, presenting a fierce and angry image.

Gou Yuanshuai (Marshal Gou) and Bi Yuanshuai (Marshal Bi) are the "Leimen Yuanshuai" (Marshals of the Thunder Gate). According to Taoist scriptures, Marshal Gou’s courtesy name is Xie: with disheveled hair, a red face, and two wings on his body; holding a golden tablet; wearing golden armor and black boots; with an angry gaze; traveling between heaven and earth to eliminate evil ghosts and demons in both the visible and invisible worlds.

Marshal Bi’s courtesy name is Suan: with a black face; holding iron chains; angry eyes; wearing golden armor and black boots; with disheveled hair; in charge of the Twelve Thunders; assisting Xuantian Shangdi (Supreme Emperor of Mysterious Heaven); eliminating plague ghosts; overseeing floods and droughts in heaven and earth; investigating the appearance of monsters; and punishing those who are unkind and unjust.

Marshal Ma, also known as "Lingguan Ma Yuanshuai" (Marshal Ma the Spiritual Official), "Huaguang Dadi" (Great Emperor of Flower Light), and "Ma Tianjun" (Heavenly Lord Ma), has the surname Ma and the given name Sheng. He is the god of the sixth star of the Southern Dipper and the "Southern Fire Emperor". He was reborn to Mother Jin of the Ma family, stole the golden spear of the Purple Wei Emperor, and studied under "Miaole Tianzun" (Heavenly Lord of Wonderful Joy), mastering all arts related to thunder, wind, dragons, snakes, ghost-slaying, and people-saving. The Jade Emperor, recognizing his merits as great as heaven and earth, appointed him to serve under Emperor Xuantian. His blessings for people’s marriages, wealth, children, and official careers are always answered when prayed for. He wears a red brocade robe embroidered with eagles and flowers, golden armor, holds a golden spear and a golden brick in his hands, stands on a fire wheel (with a white snake coiling around it, spitting fire), carries a fire ladle on his back, and commands ten thousand fire crows and twelve deputy generals.

Marshal Wen Qiong, with the courtesy name Ziyun, is also known as "Wen Taibao" (Protector Wen). According to legend, he was from Pingyang County, Wenzhou, in eastern Zhejiang. Growing up with lofty aspirations, he was brave and martial. He once followed Guo Ziyi (a famous general of The Tang Dynasty ) to fight against bandits, serving as the vanguard and never being injured by blades. Later, he served at the Dongyue Temple (Temple of the Eastern Mountain God) on Mount Tai; after three years of diligent practice, he transformed into "Yuefu Taibao" (Protector of the Mountain God’s Mansion) and took charge of human life and death. The Jade Emperor issued an imperial decree conferring on him the title of "Kangjin Dashen" (Great God of Golden Resistance), allowing him to enter and exit the Heavenly Court and inspect the Five Great Mountains. His appearance is extremely powerful: with a green face, green hands, fangs, red lips, red hair, red eyebrows and beard, golden eyes, and a ferocious expression; wearing a purple scarf on his head and a green robe embroidered with eagles and flowers; holding a jade ring in his left hand and an iron mace in his right. His specific duty is to travel between the underworld and the mortal world, exorcising evil and upholding justice.