The Ranking of the Supreme Deities in the Taoism Deity System (道教之中三天高真列表)

In Taoism, the Three Pure/Supreme One (San Qing) are believed to be the Creator of the Universe or World. Their Position will come before any Taoist Deities (including Jade Emperor), whereas in our Folks Taoism (Min Jian Xin Yang), Jade Emperor is always treated as the most Superior Deity of all.

 

So when actually Jade Emperor became more popular? From History and records, seen after Song Dynasty (about 800-1000years), Jade Emperor becomes a MUST worshipped Deity for the Taoists (or Folks).

 

Till today, most of the folks/temples/Sintuas are still practicing that as to continue the culture/custom of paying our respects to Jade Emperor (the so-called BOSS for all Deities).

 

Here’s a simple diagram showing the flow of the Ranking System (One follow by another):

 

The 3 Pure/Supreme One

 

玉清元始天尊 (Yu Qing Palace – Yuan Shi Tian Zun)
上清灵宝天尊 (Shang Qing Palace – Ling Bao Tian Zun)
太清道德天尊(俗稱:太上老君，老子) (Tai Qing Palace – Dao De Tian Zun, aka Tai Shang Lao Jun/Lao Zi)

The Jade Emperor (Leader of all Immortals/Living Kinds)

玉皇上帝  (Jade Emperor – Yu Huang Shang Di)

The Four Royal Emperors of Heaven (四御大帝) – There’s a few sets

 

1^st Set:

中天北极紫微大帝  (Central Heavenly Realm Emperor Zi Wei)
玉皇上帝 (Jade Emperor - included)
勾成上宫(太极) 天皇大帝 (Palace Gou Cheng Heavenly Emperor Tai Ji)
承天效法后土皇地 (Hou Tu – Earthly Deity)

 

2^nd Set:

 

中天北极紫微大帝(Central Heavenly Realm Emperor Zi Wei)
南极长生大帝 (Southern Heaven Hemisphere Emperor of Longevity )
勾成上宫(太极) 天皇大帝(Palace Gou Cheng Heavenly Emperor Tai Ji)
承天效法 后土皇地(Hou Tu – Earthly Deity)

 

3^rd Set:

 

中天北极紫微大帝(Central Heavenly Realm Emperor Zi Wei)
青華東極宮太乙救苦天尊 (Qing Hua Dong Ji Palace Souls Salvaging Sage Tai Yi)
勾成上宫(太极) 天皇大帝(Palace Gou Cheng Heavenly Emperor Tai Ji)
承天效法 后土皇地(Hou Tu – Earthly Deity)