Dongwanggong, also known as "Mugong", "Dongwangfu", "Donghua Dijun", "Fusang Dadi" and so on, is a revered deity in Taoism corresponding to Xi Wangmu (Queen Mother of the West).
The origin of Dongwanggong can be traced back to the Warring States Period. At that time, the belief in "Donghuang Taiyi" (the Great One of the Eastern Emperor) prevailed in the Chu region, who was also called "Dongjun" (the Lord of the East) and regarded as the deified sun god. This is the predecessor of Dongwanggong. Dongwanggong was originally a male god, and later was revered as the leader of male immortals after being embellished by Taoism. The Quanzhen School of Taoism regards him as its ancestor.
The term "Dongwanggong" first appeared in Zhenzhong Shu (The Pillow Book), in which he was called "Fusang Dadi". The book states: "After going through one kalpa, Yuan Shi Jun (the Primeval Lord) once bestowed Zhu Yuan Mu (the Vermilion Primeval Mother), giving birth to Tian Huang (the Heavenly Sovereign) with thirteen heads, who ruled for thirty-six thousand years. He was recorded as Fusang Dadi Dongwanggong, with the title Yuan Yang Fu Fusang Dadi."
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Xian Zhuan Shi Yi (Supplementary Records of Immortals) describes him as: "Wearing a three-dimensional crown and clothes made of nine-colored clouds and mist, he is also called Yuhuang Jun (the Jade Emperor Lord)."
There are many records about the origin of Dongwanggong. Zhenzhong Shu claims that he was the son of Yuan Shi Tianzun (the Primeval Lord of Heaven) and Taiyuan Shengmu (the Holy Mother of Great Primordiality). Xian Zhuan Shi Yi also says that he is the vital energy of Qingyang (the clear yang) and the origin of all things.
After the founding of Taoism, Dongwanggong was incorporated into the pantheon. San Jiao Sou Shen Da Quan (The Complete Collection of the Three Teachings' Investigation of Gods) states that he "presides over the yang and harmonious energy and manages the Eastern region... Together with Xi Wangmu, he governs the two energies (yin and yang) to nurture heaven and earth, and shape all things. He is in charge of all males in heaven, on earth, in the Three Realms and the Ten Directions who have attained immortality and the Dao."
His birthday is the 6th day of the second lunar month.
