Taiwan celebrates God of Medicines Birthday on April 12 of this year which is the fifteenth day of the third lunar month. The deity Baosheng Dadis birthday is celebrated at this event. Taiwanese temples celebrate him in various ways. Although Baosheng Dadi is now considered the god of medicine, he was a real person who lived in the tenth century. A gifted physician and Taoist he was renowned for his extraordinary healing powers. His birthday is regularly celebrated with parades and festivities in the province of Fujian and the municipality of Taipei, Taiwan.

Background of God Medicine’s Birthday

Born Wu Tao Baosheng Dadi grew up in the village of Bnailia in the province of Fujian. In the Song Dynasty he was born in 979. He later developed into a proficient physician and Taoist working many medical miracles throughout his life. Some people began to worship him as a deity when he died in 1036 and as time passed more and more individuals began to do so. Baosheng Dadi was given the titles of Imperial Inspector at Heavenly Gate The Great Taoist Immortal The Miracle Doctor of Compassion Relief and Long-lived life Protection Emperor by Zhu Giochi the fourth Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

The birthday of Baosheng Dadi is celebrated as a joyous occasion. The Chinese Nationalist Parties 1949 withdrawal from Taiwan left Taipeis Dalongdong Baoan Temple in a depressing state. The 119-year-old building was occupied by about 200 refugees and military dependents who set up a makeshift camp there. Wu Chao-lun, a writer, discovered Dalongdong to be dirty upon his arrival in 1950.

In order to preserve the temple, locals established a repair committee in 1952 led by affluent businessman Lin Kung-Chen. In 1957 Lin gained notoriety as the leader of a choir of women workers who sang scripture. The squatters were eventually forced to relocate in 1966 when the Taipei City Government finally stepped in. Taiwan is home to more than 200 shrines honoring Baosheng Dadi the Taoist deity of medicine. One of these is the Dalongdong Baoan Temple.

Timeline of God of Medicine’s Birthday

979 A.D. Birth of Baosheng Dadi

The Song Dynasty was when Baosheng Dadi was born.

1036 A.D. Worship of Baosheng Dadi

Following his passing some people started to revere Baosheng Dadi as a god.

1952 Dalongdong Baoan Temple Repair Committee

To save the Dalongdong Baoan temple, locals organize a repair committee.

1966 Relocation of Temple Squatters

The squatters in Dalongdong Baoan are being relocated with the help of the Taipei City Government.

Activities for God of Medicine’s Birthday

Learn More About Baosheng Dadi

Learn about Chinese folk religion and Taoism. Learn more about the significance of this ancient deity in Taiwanese history Baosheng.

Visit Taipei

Visit the local government of Taiwan prior to the holiday. A dragon dance is performed by actors in Taipei, Taiwan to celebrate the birthday of Baosheng the Great, the Chinese god of medicine.

Participate in the Momentous Candle-Lighting Ceremony

Throughout Taipei Taiwan and Fujian special candlelighting and incense-burning ceremonies are held to commemorate this occasion. You can host your own event or participate virtually.