San Shan Guo Wang (三山國王), translated as the Three Dukes of Mountain Du, Ming & Jin (the 3 major Mountains in Guang Dong Province 廣東省中三座名山).
According to records, these 3 Dukes were born in Nan Bei Period (Pre-Sui Dynasty, Around CE 420 – 450 南北朝), birthday on 15th Day of Lunar 2 Month (生于農曆二月十五日), hometown in Guang Dong Province, Chao Zhou City, Jie Yang Area (家鄉於廣東省潮州揭陽).
The eldest Duke, name as Lian Jie aka Lian Qing Hua
(大王: 連傑字清華).
The second Duke, name as Zhao Xuan aka Zhao Zhu Zheng
(二王: 趙軒字助政).
The third Duke, name as Qiao Jun aka Qiao Hui Wei
(三王: 喬俊字惠威).
CE468, the 3 Dukes gathered together to fight against the invaders that attacked their hometown, after defeating the invaders, the 3 Dukes made vows to become sworn brothers (三位王爺結拜為異姓兄弟).
Due to their constant contribution to the needy in their hometown and assisting the Imperial Court to fight against the invaders, after they passed away, the three of them were being honoured as Deities.
In Song Dynasty (宋朝), after the 3 Dukes appeared to assist Emperor Zhao Kuang Yin (三王顯靈相助趙匡胤退敵﹐而後趙帝賜封) in defeating the invaders, Emperor Zhao bestowed the 3 Dukes with the following Official Titles:
Duke Lian as Duke Wei De Bao Guo 連清化鎮守巾山－為威德報國王。
Duke Zhao as Duke Ming Su Ning Guo
趙助政鎮守明山－為明肅寧國王。
Duke Qiao as Duke Hong Ying Feng Guo
喬惠威鎮守獨山－為弘應豐國王。
With the Imperial bestowed titles, the 3 Dukes were officially being accepted by the Spiritual World as 3 Immortal Dukes.
Today, the Hakka (客家) and Teochew (潮州) Clans still honoured them as their Protection Patrons.
Every year, on the 15th Day of Lunar 2 Month, both the Clans will organize grand-celebration, in-order to show their gratitude towards the 3 Dukes.
For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1575926816/pic/list
