Erlang Shen and His Dog | Shanxi's Painted Sculptures

In the southwest corner of the backyard of Zishou Temple is the Erlang Hall, also known as the Qingyuan Zhenjun Hall. This hall is dedicated to Erlang Shen, also known as Zhao Yu, accompanied by his attendants and his loyal dog, Xiaotian Quan. Erlang Shen, or Zhao Yu, was honored as Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty. Originally a brave warrior under the Jade Emperor in Taoism, he was later incorporated into Buddhism as a guardian deity, reflecting the fusion and respect between religions. Feng Menglong, a renowned writer of the late Ming Dynasty, vividly described the appearance of Erlang Shen in his compilation "Awakening the World": "Dragon eyebrows, phoenix eyes, white teeth, and fresh lips." This description coincides with the image of the deity enshrined in the Erlang Hall of Zishou Temple, showcasing the divine charm. On both sides of the Erlang Hall, a series of mural paintings depict the magnificent scenes before and after Erlang Shen's expedition, each carrying a rich storyline, forming a coherent and vivid historical picture. Despite enduring over seven hundred years of weathering, these murals remain largely intact, showcasing the profound foundation of folk beliefs and ingeniously integrating the essence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, presenting a unique beauty of cultural fusion. The murals feature smooth lines, distinct layers, and colors that, though slightly mottled by the passage of time, still exude an extraordinary, ethereal, and dynamic artistic charm.