Che Kung

Che Kung^[a] (2 January 1235 – 30 December 1330), also known as Che Da Yuan Shuai,^[b] was originally a military commander of the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), who, according to lore, had supreme power to suppress rebellion and was renowned for his loyalty to the emperor.^[1] He was also famous for his power to suppress plagues and his skill in medicine.^[2] He is believed by some worshipers to have been involved in the attempt to keep the Song state alive by bringing Prince Ping and his brother to the south.^[3] He is now considered the God of Protection.

Statue of Che Kung inside the Tin Hau temple at Stanley, Hong Kong

Life

A Che Kung Temple in Ho Chung, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Che Kung was a native of Nanchang, in Jiangxi Province of China.^[1] As a military commander, he saved the southern regions of China from destruction and disorder. Also, he appeared in many villagers' dreams who were suffering from a plague at that time. After the plague was over, the villagers believed that Che Kung had miraculously saved them from the terrible plague. Taoists regarded him as a deity because of his miracles and blessings. Inside a temple of Che Kung, pinwheels can always be found next to his effigy. It is believed that the one who rotates the pinwheel at a certain direction can receive good luck. The Birthday of Che Kung is the second day of Chinese New Year, though often celebrated on the third.

See also

• The Birthday of Che Kung: a celebration dedicated to Che Kung
• Che Kung Miu: temples dedicated to Che Kung (located in Sha Tin & Sai Kung)
• I Shing Temple, dedicated to Hung Shing and Che Kung
• Hong Kong Government Lunar New Year kau chim tradition

Notes

1. Chinese: 車公; pinyin: Chēgōng; lit. 'Lord Che'
2. 車大元帥; 'Che', 'the Great Warrior'