The Ganlu Wan (Nectar Bowl) 甘露碗

The Ganlu Wan (Nectar Bowl) 甘露碗

Paul Peng
The Ganlu Wan (Nectar Bowl), also known as "Shui Yu" (Water Vessel), "Shui Wan" (Water Bowl), or "Qing Shui Wan" (Clear Water Bowl), is used on Taoist altars to hold ritual water (also called "Ganlu" or "nectar"). Traditionally made of bamboo, it is now mostly crafted from brass.


It is cup-shaped with a slightly wider mouth, and the "True Form Diagram of the Five Sacred Mountains" is painted around the cup. There are also bowl-shaped water vessels with a slightly narrower mouth.

High priests on the altar often hold the bowl in their left hand and a willow branch (or a plastic substitute) in their right hand, dipping it in the sacred water from the bowl to sprinkle around the ritual altar, symbolizing the purification of the venue. Lingbao Jidu Jinshu (Golden Book of Numinous Treasures for Salvation) states: "The willow branch sprinkles away karmic defilements, dispelling dust and filth invisibly."


Sometimes, it symbolizes the universal bestowal of nectar to salvation of the deceased. Taishang Quanzhen Wantan Gongke Jing (Supreme Quanzhen Scripture for Evening Rituals) says: "Nectar flows and moistens, sprinkling all over the empty and mysterious realms, rescuing those trapped in the abyss, freeing them from the cold depths."
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Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

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Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

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