Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) - "Marshal of the Central Altar", is one of the avatar / manifestation of the Chinese Child Deity - Ne Zha (哪吒).
In Religious Taoism, Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) is the chief commander and guardian god who is the head of the " Five Camp Gods " (五营神将).
The records of Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) come from several Taoist Classics, such as "Bao Gao Da Quan" (宝诰大全) and "Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai Zhen Jing" (中坛元帅真经).
In The Investiture of the Gods (封神演义), Nezha participated in Jiang Ziya's conquest of King Zhou, and made many military achievements with magic weapons such as the Fire Spear and the Universe Circle, and finally "became a saint in the flesh".
Conferred by the Jade Emperor : Due to his outstanding military achievements, he was conffered with the Title: Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) - "Marshal of the Central Altar" by Jade Emperor, commanding five camps of divine soldiers.
The Five Camps are divided into five battalions of divine armies: the " Nine Barbarians Army of the East Camp", the "Eight Barbarians Army of the South Camp", the "Six Rong Army of the West Camp", the "Five Di Army of the North Camp" and the "Three Qin Army of the Central Altar" to resist evil spirits.
Among the five camps, the Marshal of Zhong Tan - Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) is the main head of command, commanding the Central Camp. The other four camps are commanded by other marshals, known as the Marshals of the Five Camps.
For more information about >> The Five Camps Celestial Soldiers (五营兵将)
The Imperial Edict of the Marshal of the Central Altar (中坛元帅宝诰):
(Recite by Taoist Priests in Religious Taoist Temples)
志心皈命礼。兴周圣将，灭纣前锋。金光洞裹炼金光。玉虚奉命降陈塘。左持金圈，右执尖枪。足踏两轮，曰火曰风。驱妖灭怪斩魔王。亲历一千七百浩劫，而圆道果。破尽三万八千恶阵，永镇天宫。一蕊莲花，化成庄严妙相。十方世界，广济救苦慈航。玄功深奥，变化无穷。达地升天转眼中。临敌无惧，威武堂堂。大忠大孝，至勇至刚。安民护国，中坛元帅天尊。
The Celebration Day of Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) is on 9th Day of 9th Month in Chinese Lunar Calender. This day is also the same day of another Chinese Festival, known as Chong Yang Jie (重阳节) - Double Ninth Festival.
Spiritual Trance Incantation Of Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅), also known as 三十三天都元帅咒 - Incantation of 'Marshal of the Thirty-Three Heavenly Capital' ：
(Used by Chinese Folk Religion during Spirit Mediums Procession)
拜请三十三天都元帅 统领天兵下瑶台
金枪一转天门开 绣球献出五湖海
头戴日月耀乾坤 脚踏七星毫光大
扶助三坛真自在 主掌法界高英才
龙王殿前威显现 飞沙走石洞门开
海上收斩蛟龙将 治病救苦速消灾
三岁郎君照北斗 百万天兵四边排
弟子一心专拜请 中坛元帅降临来
神 兵 火 急 如 律 令
Important Information: 三十三天都元帅 (San Shi San Tian Du Yuan Shuai) - 'Marshal of the Thirty-three Heavenly Capital' is the Highest Honorific Title given to Ne Zha (哪吒) .
Who pray to Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅)?
Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) is the grown up version of Ne-Zha, therefore:
- Any adults with personal issues relating to jobs or businesses, can pray to him for support, or seek his help directly during Spirit Medium Consultation Service.
- The most famous magic weapon of Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) is the Wind-Fire Wheel (风火轮), which can fly at an extremely fast speed. Many drivers from all walks of life worship Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) as the patron saint of driving.
Where to Pray to Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅)?
You can search for a Chinese Folk Religion Temple (or home Temple) that has spiritual trance of Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅).
^Usually, if a Chinese Folk Religion Temple that has Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) , will also has Lian Hua San Tai Zi (莲花三太子), so the Adults can consult Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) and the Children can send over to Lian Hua San Tai Zi (莲花三太子) for Consultation.*
*Spirit Medium Consultation Services can be found in Public Chinese Temples and Private Home Temples / Shrines in Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.*
For Issues of Babies, Toddlers and Small Children, there is a better version of Ne-zha for Children to pray and seek consultation: Lian Hua San Tai Zi (莲花三太子)
One Important Taboo while praying to Ne-Zha: The Number One Taboo of Ne-Zha Worship is "NOT TO OFFER DUCK MEAT". When the Third Prince got into trouble, he did not want to implicate his parents, so he chose to "return his flesh to his mother and his bones to his father". However, his body was almost eaten by vultures, and it was a group of ducks that protected his body, so the ducks are his benefactors.
Tips For Westerners: If You are a Western Folk and want to pray to Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) , Singapore is a good choice, because most of the younger generation temple helpers and altar assistants in the Temples can speak and understand English. While giving You consultation, Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) speaks in his Heavenly Language or in a Chinese Dialect, the Temple helpers and Altar Assistants are able to translate into English for You.
Conclusion: Pay attention to the taboo while worshipping Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) , and pray with a pious heart. Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅) will surely bless You with good fortune, a successful career, and safe driving.
Related Articles: Taoist Spirit Mediums
Nezha Related Topics:
- The Origin & Historical Evolution Of Nezha (哪吒)
- The Real Religious & Folk Taoism Version Of Ne-Zha (哪吒)
- Nezha Temples Around The World & Where To Pray
Which part of China is Nezha (哪吒) originated?
- When Ne Zha (哪吒) Is Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai (中坛元帅)
- When Ne Zha (哪吒) Is Lian Hua San Tai Zi (莲花三太子)
- My fate / life is up to me, not God / Heaven / Sky (我命由我不由天)
- Five Camps Celestial Soldiers (五营兵将)