The Yuanshi Tianzun 元始天尊 Three Pure Ones

Yuanshi Tianzun is one of the "Three Pure Ones" – the highest deities in Taoism. Revered as the god who created the world in Taoist beliefs, he is also regarded as the honorific title for Pangu, the primordial figure of ancient times. He is known as "Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun" and also "Yuanshi Tianwang" (Primordial King). Among the "Three Pure Ones", he holds the most exalted position and stands as the foremost deity in the Taoist pantheon. The Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals Through the Ages refers to him as "the ancestor who presides over the celestial realm".

Concerning the name "Yuanshi Tianzun", The Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals Through the Ages states: "‘Yuan’ signifies the root; ‘Shi’ denotes the origin, the primal vital energy." It is believed that Yuanshi represents the earliest source, being superior to all immortals, thus earning the title "Tianzun" (Celestial Venerable). As described in Taoist scriptures, Yuanshi Tianzun embodies the natural vital energy and existed prior to all things in the universe. His essence remains eternal and indestructible; even if the heavens and the earth were to be utterly destroyed, it would not have the slightest impact on his existence.

Every time a new heaven and earth come into being, Tianzun descends upon the human world to impart esoteric doctrines and deliver beings during cosmic transitions. Those he delivers are all high-ranking celestial immortals, including Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Venerable Lord), Tianzhen Huangren (the Heavenly True Royal Being), and the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors, among others.

Yuanshi Tianzun resides in the "Daluo Tian" (Great Luo Heaven), the uppermost of the thirty-six heavens, and his celestial abode is named "Xuandu Yujing" (Mystic Metropolis of the Jade Capital). Within Yujing, the ground is paved with gold, the steps are made of jade, and the palace is decorated with seven treasures and precious jades. Immortals such as Celestial Kings, Celestial Dukes, Celestial Ministers, Celestial Earls, and Celestial Physicians dwell in the central and side celestial halls.

According to The Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals Through the Ages, Yuanshi Tianzun "bears a round halo on his head and wears garments of seventy-two colors". Therefore, the statue of Yuanshi Tianzun enshrined in the Hall of the Three Pure Ones in Taoist temples is usually depicted with a divine radiance around his head, holding a red cinnabar pill in his hand, or with his left hand gently pinching and his right hand softly cupping. This symbolizes the "state of boundlessness" when "heaven and earth had not taken shape, chaos had not been parted, and all things had not been born", as well as the first great epoch when "yin and yang were undifferentiated in chaos". Hence, the Winter Solstice, a day when yang ascends and yin descends, and the days are short while the nights are long, is regarded as Yuanshi Tianzun’s birthday.

For a long time, Yuanshi Tianzun has been devoutly worshipped by people from all strata of society, ranging from emperors and sages down to pious men and women in the folk.