Wudao Jiangjun


Wudao Jiangjun are underworld deities in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. They are responsible for escorting spirits of the dead to the afterlife, maintaining order among ghosts, and assisting in karmic judgment. They are subordinate deities of the Dongyue Dadi in Taoist belief.

Origin and legend

The "Five Paths" refer to the five possible destinies or rebirth paths that a soul might take after death, based on their karma and deeds in life. These paths are often interpreted as:
  • Heavenly Path – Rebirth in the heavenly realms as a deity or immortal.
  • Human Path – Rebirth as a human.
  • Animal Path – Rebirth as an animal.
  • Hungry Ghost Path – Rebirth as a hungry ghost, suffering from insatiable desires.
  • Hell Path – Rebirth in one of the hells to undergo punishment for sins.
The Five Paths Generals are considered enforcers of cosmic justice, ensuring that souls are directed to the appropriate path based on their moral conduct during their lifetime. They are often depicted as fierce, armored warriors, symbolizing their authority and power in the spiritual realm.
In some traditions, the Five Paths Generals are also associated with the Fengdu Ghost City, the Taoist realm of the dead, where they assist in the administration of the underworld alongside other deities like the Fengdu Dadi and the Ten Kings of Hell.
The Five Path Generals are referenced in various Chinese literary works, including:
From Stories to Awaken the World: The Affectionate Zhou Shengxian at Fanlou :
"My mortal life is not yet over, but now I have been taken by the Five Paths General... Out of pity, the Five Paths General has granted me three days of leave."
From Water Margin, Chapter 15:
"In the village, he is called the Living Yama; in the world, he is truly the Five Paths incarnate."
From Ancient and Modern Stories: Shi Hongzhao, the Dragon and Tiger, and the Lord-Servant Meeting :
"Turning my head, I met the Five Paths; opening my eyes, I saw Yama."

Worship

Near Hufangqiao in the southern part of Beijing, there is a street called Wudao Street. In the past, this street was known as Wudao Temple because it was home to a temple of the same name. The Wudao Temple was dedicated to the worship of the Five Path Generals.