《茅山誌》Vol. 17

The Yuanfu Wanning Palace is located on Jijin Mountain, originally the site where Tao Hongjing (a renowned Daoist master known as the Recluse Gentleman) practiced Daoist cultivation in his hermitage. Later, Master Liu Hunkang resided here in a simple hut. Due to his profound mastery of Daoist arts, he gained the favor of Emperor Zhezong of Song, who decreed the conversion of his dwelling into Yuanfu Temple. When construction was completed in the fifth year of Chongning era (1106), Emperor Huizong personally inscribed the plaque "Yuanfu Wanning Palace." The imperial court also built a subsidiary Yuanfu Temple beside the Shangqing Chuxiang Palace to serve as Master Liu's temporary residence when attending court.

The original architectural layout of this temple complex was as follows: Ascending the mountain, one would first cross Tongxian Bridge, facing the main gate of Yuanfu Wanning Palace. To the left was a reception hall for officials, while the right housed bathhouses. The second gate, called Yuhua Gate, led to the main hall enshrining the Three Mao Perfected Lords (Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong - three Daoist immortals), named Tianning Wanfu Hall. The eastern side featured the Jade Register Hall, with the Nine Bestowals Hall to the west. The eastern corridor housed the Jingfu Wannian Hall, while the western corridor contained the Feitian Falun Hall. A bell tower stood on the left and a scripture repository on the right. Behind Tianning Hall stood Dayou Hall, flanked by storerooms to the east and Cloud Hall to the west. Behind Cloud Hall was the Treasure Register Hall (housing Daoist talismans), with kitchens located behind Jingfu Hall. Beyond Dayou Hall stood the Zhongmiao Hall, with the Three Purity Hall (residence of the temple superintendent) to its left and the Nine Perfected Hall (residence of the deputy superintendent) to the right. The North Pole Pavilion stood behind Treasure Register Hall, while Zhenling Hall and Qianshen Hermitage were situated behind Zhongmiao Hall.

This temple complex was burned by bandits in the fourth year of Jianyan era (1130) and reconstructed in the Wuyin year of Shaoxing era (1158) with funding from Emperor Gaozong, who personally inscribed the temple plaque. During Emperor Lizong's reign, further renovations were ordered, with imperial inscriptions "Shangqing Ancestral Altar" and "Hall of Sagely Virtue and Benevolent Blessings" added.

Chongxi Wanshou Palace, located before Dinggong Mountain, was originally Tao Hongjing's lower retreat near Huayang Cave. Built in the ninth year of Zhenguan era (635) by Emperor Taizong of Tang for Daoist patriarch Master Wangfa, it was initially named Taiping Temple. In the seventh year of Tianbao era (748), Emperor Xuanzong ordered Li Xuanjing to conscript a hundred nearby households for permanent maintenance duties, exempting them from taxes and corvée labor. Destroyed during the Zhonghe era (881-885), it was rebuilt by Deng Qixia during Tianyou era (904-907). The Song dynasty renamed it "Chongxi Temple," which suffered fire damage during Jianyan era before reconstruction by Qin Xi. Emperor Ningzong bestowed two inscribed plaques - "Zhitang" and "Abbot's Quarters" - to eminent Daoist Yi Rugang, while Emperor Lizong presented eight characters "Jade Qi Condenses Moisture, Crane Spirit Transcends Distance" and the plaque "Forest of Precious Pearls" to Situ Shitan. In the sixth year of Yanyou era (1319) of Yuan dynasty, it was officially renamed Chongxi Wanshou Palace by imperial decree.

The Jade Dawn Temple (Yuchen Guan) is situated on the northern slope of Thunder Peace Mountain (Leiping Shan). Legend holds that during the era of Emperor Gaoxin (an ancient ruler), the immortal Zhan Shanggong once practiced here. Throughout history, many eminent Daoists attained enlightenment at this site, including Perfected Lord Guo of the Zhou dynasty, Marquis of Baling Jiang Shumao of the Qin, Du Guangping of the Han, Perfected Lord Yang of the Eastern Jin, and the Xu family of Chief Clerics. During the Taishi era (465-471 CE) of the Liu Song dynasty, the Daoist Wang Ju—esteemed by Prince Jing of Changsha Liu Daoya—constructed the Changsha Hall east of Chief Clerk Xu's former residence. In 514 CE (13th year of Tianjian reign, Liang dynasty), imperial decree renamed it the Vermilion Sun Hall (Zhuyang Guan) as a residence for Perfected Lord Tao Hongjing, with the addition of the Manifest Truth Terrace (Zhaozhen Tai) to enshrine the scriptures and ritual implements of the three Xu family perfected ones.

During Emperor Taizong's Tang reign, the Huayang Temple was built by imperial order for Master Tongbo (Sima Chengzhen). In 748 CE (7th year of Tianbao), Emperor Xuanzong renamed it Purple Sun Temple (Ziyang Guan) for Master Xuanjing (Li Hanguang), granting permanent tax exemption to 200 nearby households tasked exclusively with temple maintenance. During the Southern Tang, Wang Zhensu continued spiritual practice here. In 1008 CE (1st year of Dazhong Xiangfu, Northern Song), it received its current name. The Immortal Lord Dinglu (a central figure in Maoshan tradition) prophesied this pure land as a "golden chamber" (fengshui treasure)—only perfected beings like the Xu family could dwell here, with future residence permitted solely to virtuous "red infant sages." This site forms part of the blessed Jinling Earth Lung (one of Daoism's 36 Grotto-Heavens).

The Venerable Longevity Temple (Chongshou Guan) stands before the southern gate of Huayang Cave at Great Mao Mountain's base, originally the enlightenment site of Jin dynasty Perfected Lord Ren Dun. In 434 CE (11th year of Yuanjia, Liu Song), Empress Dowager Lu established the first altar here. During Taishi years, Governor Kong Sizhi of Luling rebuilt it for Daoist cultivation. In 480 CE (2nd year of Jianyuan, Southern Qi), imperial decree founded the Venerate Origin Hall (Chongyuan Guan), visited by both the Crown Prince and future Emperor Wu of Liang. Abbot Wang Wenqing expanded its halls and cloisters into a complete complex. Early Tang Zhenguan era saw its renaming as Venerate Mystery Temple (Chongyuan Guan), with Master Xuanjing overseeing 748 CE renovations and securing tax-exempt status for 100 maintenance households. Its current name dates to 1014 CE (7th year of Dazhong Xiangfu).

Immortal Lord Dinglu revealed that Great Mao Mountain's springs made the water mouth ideal for retreats. The southern cave entrance possesses excellent streams though rocky terrain with thin soil. Southern Qi's 480 CE decree authorized local Wang Wenqing to establish the original Venerate Origin Hall here. During Tang's Taiji era (712 CE)...

This passage documents the historical evolution and architectural changes of several important Daoist temples on Mount Mao (Maoshan), a sacred mountain in Daoism.

The stele inscription originally composed by Left Reminder Sun Chuxuan had become illegible over time. In the first year of the Taiding era during the Yuan dynasty, Imperial Academy Director Yu Ji rewrote the inscription, which was then carved on the reverse side of the Taiji stele. The Xiabo Temple, located on the western slope of Middle Mao Peak, is said to be where the Great Director of Fate (a Daoist deity) built a thatched hut while awaiting his two younger brothers during the Han dynasty. The stele was re-erected during the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty, with the text composed by Master Huang of Taoyuan and calligraphed by Governor Lu of Hezhou.

Huayang Temple stands on the western side of Gold Accumulation Mountain. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang studied the Shangqing scriptures (Daoist classics) here under Master Xuanjing and decreed that Daoist priests should practice at this site. During the Zhenghe era of the Song dynasty, Daoist Master Zhuang Shenzhi reconstructed the temple, preserving the ruins of the Alchemical Well Tower from the hermitage period.

Qianyuan Temple records the legend of Li Ming's alchemical practices and ascension to immortality. During the Tianjian era of the Liang dynasty, a recluse established meditation chambers here. The Tang dynasty saw the construction of five pavilions including the Qiuzhen Hall, while the Song dynasty renamed it "Jixu Hermitage" and expanded it with a nine-tiered ritual platform.

Yandong Temple commemorates the female immortal Qian Miaozhen's ascension. Prince Shaoling of Liang erected a stele recording her story, which was later repaired under imperial decree during the Tang dynasty with resident female Daoist priests. After fire damage during the Song dynasty, the temple was relocated before eventually being rebuilt on its original site.

The final mention of Huayang Abbey refers to the former residence of Crown Prince Zhaoming of Liang, originally called Hongxi Cloister and adjacent to the Crane Temple. During the Tang dynasty, a meditation center was established here to maintain the incense offerings for the Three Mao Lords (the founding patriarchs of Maoshan). The original stele inscription by Liu Shi has been lost to history.

The Hall of Blessed Homeland was situated west of Chongshou Abbey. Established in 826 CE (the second year of the Baoli era) by imperial decree, it was later renamed the Baoli Chongyuan Sacred Ancestral Cloister. Chancellor Li Deyu enshrined statues of three revered figures here: Laozi, Confucius, and Master Yin (Yin Xi, traditionally regarded as Laozi's disciple). The Daoist adept Zhou Yinyao, known as Grand Mystery Zhou, once cultivated his practice at this site. During the Zhiping era (1064–1067), it was granted the name Hongxi Abbey, and in the Xuanhe era (1119–1125), it received its current designation.

Tiansheng Abbey was built on Mount Jijin. Around 502 CE (early Tianjian era), the recluse Tao Hongjing excavated a small pond to nurture dragon offspring from Leiping Pond. During the Zhenguan era (627–649), when Master Wang Fayuan (Wang Yuanzhi) established a hermitage here, he encountered the immortal Faben. Granted the name Huohuan Palace during the Suzong Emperor's Zhide era (756–758), it fell into disrepair by the late Tang dynasty. In 1006 CE (the third year of the Jingde era), the Daoist master Zhang Shaoying, known as Master Mingzhen, built a retreat here. Zhang Shaoying and Zhu Guanmiao once conferred Daoist registers (a ritual ordination) upon Empress Ming Su, the biological mother of Emperor Renzong, serving as her ordination masters. In September 1025 (the third year of the Tiansheng era), his dwelling was bestowed the name Yan Zhen Hermitage, and five years later, it was elevated to abbey status.

Qizhen Abbey, located west of Huayang Palace, originally served as Tao Hongjing’s Middle Lodge before becoming the cultivation site of Master Huang Zunshi (Huang Dongyuan) of Taoyuan. Lu Shimou of Hezhou composed a stele inscription (now lost), and during the Xuanhe era, it was granted abbey status.

Wuyun Abbey was constructed beneath Wuyun Peak. During the Tiansheng era (1023–1032), after the death of Chancellor Wang Qinruo, his wife, the Lady of Xu State, petitioned the court to convert it into a ceremonial site, leading to its official recognition as an abbey. Yan Shu (posthumously titled Yuanxian) composed a stele inscription for the site.

Qingzhen Abbey was situated at Daluo Spring. During the Zhenghe era (1111–1118), the Daoist Wu Deqing established a hermitage to host wandering adepts. Emperor Huizong granted it abbey status. Every year on the 18th day of the third lunar month, Daoists from across the land gathered to venerate Lord Mao (Mao Ying), often accompanied by circling white cranes—hence its nickname, "Crane Assembly."

Baiyun Chongfu Abbey stood beneath Baiyun Peak, where Wang Jingwen, former administrator of Biyang Palace, retired in seclusion. Revered across four reigns (Emperors Gaozong, Xiaozong, Guangzong, and Ningzong), Wang Jingwen once ordained the future Emperor Ningzong when he was still heir apparent. Upon ascending the throne, the emperor bestowed upon him the title "Perfected of Emptiness and Stillness." Dai Xi, a scholar of the Huiyou Pavilion, composed an account of the abbey.

The Hermitage of Concentrated Spirit (Ningshen Hermitage) was founded in 1150 CE (the Gengwu year of the Shaoxing era) in Black Tiger Valley by the Daoist Zhang Chunling of the Ciyu Palace. Originally named Zhang Fengdao, he received annual incense offerings sent by Emperor Gaozong. In 1155 (the Yihai year), a palace envoy reported his Daoist sobriquet "Da Dao" to the throne, leading to multiple summons to the Deshou Hall, where he was bestowed with a monastic robe, a crystal ring, a purple-stone tea grinder, and an imperial transcription of the Scripture of the Hidden Talisman (Yinfu Jing).

This passage from Maoshan Zhi documents the historical evolution of several important Daoist temples on Mount Mao (a sacred Daoist mountain):

Shengyuan Temple originally served as the White Crane Shrine dedicated to the True Lord of Lifespans (a Daoist deity governing human longevity), located on Zhongmao Peak. During the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, imperial decree ordered its renovation, officially incorporating it into state sacrificial rites. In the eighth year of the Zhenghe reign (Song Huizong's era), official Yu Li petitioned for its current name. However, it was burned by bandits in the third year of Jianyan until Daoist priest Mao Zongbai reconstructed it south of the original site in the fourteenth year of Shaoxing. The text also records miraculous events where Liu Zhixiao encountered celestial peaches three times at this location.

Baoyuan Temple stands beside Liuqian Spring. In the eighth year of Zhenghe, Suzhou native Chen Xiwei followed Master Liu to study Daoism here. Originally called Willow Valley Hermitage, it later received imperial authorization to become a formal temple. During the Qingyuan era, Wang Yuangang oversaw its reconstruction.

Yuanyang Temple is an ancient site where Tang poet Gu Kuang once resided for ten years, leaving behind poetic works. Its current location above Mao Cave was established during the early Longxing era of Southern Song by Huzhou Daoist Shen Shanzhi, who styled himself "Cave Master." After encountering Lady Mao (wife of General Han Shizhong), he constructed temple halls, initially named Chongxu Hermitage before receiving official temple designation during Qingyuan era.

Zangzhen Temple houses the tomb shrine of Master Liu from the Jingyi (Quiet Unity) lineage, situated on Dieyu Peak. Constructed by imperial decree during the Daguan era.

Ziyang Temple was originally called Dongyun Hermitage. During Jianyan era, Hebei-born Daoist Wang Ruoning lived in solitude beneath East Cliff of Dinggong Mountain when he dreamt of deities revealing this site as Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) where souls are judged. After Qin Hui's death, his widow Lady Wang requested Master Li to perform rituals here, learning that Qin Hui was imprisoned in Feng Mountain hell. She ordered her son to construct a Taiyi Hall at the cave entrance for salvation rites, with surviving banners and stone inscriptions from that period. In the Guiwei year of Zhiyuan era (Yuan Dynasty), it received imperial authorization as a formal temple.

Chongyuan Temple was built in late Shaoxing era. After studying Daoism under Yang Danjia, Tongchuan native Shi Yuanpu established a hermitage at Southern Ridge of Changning Town to practice medicine and aid the world. Daily, he would hang straw sandals and ten coins on outdoor trees for travelers to take freely—a practice he maintained for years without fail until his peaceful death at eighty-eight.

(Note: Daoist practices mentioned include "submitting memorials" (baizhang)—rituals of presenting petitions to celestial courts, and "posthumous liberation" (mingshi)—soul salvation rites; "Jingyi" signifies the Daoist cultivation state of focused tranquility.)

This text documents the historical evolution and divine titles of several important Daoist temples on Maoshan (a sacred Daoist mountain). At the peak of Great Mao Mountain, the Shengyou Temple received an imperial plaque in the third year of the Yanyou era (1316) during the Yuan dynasty, with the Great Mao Lord being granted the title "Perfected Responding Lord" (Zhenying Zhenjun). Similarly, the Deyou Temple on Middle Mao Mountain's summit was bestowed an imperial plaque, and the Middle Mao Lord was honored as "Miraculous Responding Lord" (Miaoying Zhenjun). The Renyou Temple on Little Mao Mountain peak also received imperial recognition, with the Little Mao Lord granted the title "Divine Responding Lord" (Shenying Zhenjun). Collectively, these three temples became known as the "Three Mao Perfected Lords Temples."

As early as the second year of the Yongming era (483 CE) during the Han dynasty, authorities had ordered the construction of temples dedicated to the Perfected Ones of Juqu Mountain (the ancient name for Maoshan). Tao Hongjing (the Hermit Scholar) noted that villages on both sides of the mountain had established Mao Lord temples at that time, though the Wu Ruins Temple west of Great Mao Mountain and the Shu Ruins Temple below Middle Mao Mountain's rear slope later fell into disrepair. The Shengyuan Temple, originally called Crane Temple, was rebuilt during the Shaoxing era (1131-1162) of the Southern Song dynasty under an imperial consort's decree, when auspicious golden light reportedly appeared. Unfortunately, the stele inscription composed by Daoist priest Lü Yun was not preserved.

The Guangji Temple originated as the Dragon Deity Shrine of Tiansheng Temple. During the Southern Song's Shaoxing era, it received an imperial plaque, followed by successive honors during the Chunxi, Shaoxi, and Chunyou reigns, when the dragon deity was granted the title "Spreading Grace Broadly Responding Beneficent Marquis" (Fuze Guangying Liji Hou). The Yuanfu Wanning Palace's deity shrine was honored as the Guardian Sage Marquis Temple, while its two messenger shrines became the Spirit Blessing Guardian Marquis Temple—all recorded in the History of Song.

The Mao Situ Temple stands southeast of Qianyuan Temple near Jiangba Road. Legend tells of a malaria sufferer who collapsed by the roadside and encountered a ceremonial procession at midnight. A mounted figure bestowed medicinal pills, identifying himself as "Mao Situ" (Mao the Minister of Works). After recovering the next day, the patient erected this temple (as recorded in Records of Investigating Spirits). Another Mao Situ Shrine was located one li east of the county seat in Liyang, Jiankang Prefecture.