The Yuanchen Temple(simplified Chinese:元辰殿; traditional Chinese: 元辰殿; pinyin: Yuán Chén Dìan; literally “the Temple of the origin of all things”) was built in 1190 during the Jin Dynasty. “Yuan” means the origin of the sky and the earth, hence the origin of all things. After you go through the gateway, you can see the Bell Tower on your left side and the Drum Tower on your right side.
In the old times, the bell was used to announce the morning hours and the drum the evening hours. The morning bell and the evening drum are important components of the Taoist culture. Facing the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower stands the Yuanchen Temple. It is said that the temple was built by Emperor Zhangzong of Jin for his mother. Now enshrined in the temple is Doulao Yuanjun, Mother of the Dipper. She is the major Goddess and she has three eyes, four heads and eight arms. She commands the sun and the rain, rescues people from disaster and war, and blesses new-born babies, exam-takers and businessmen. People also worship her for longevity of their parents, the prosperity of the young, the happiness and health for the husbands and wives, the elimination of the evil and preservation of the good.
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