The five Wealth Gods are as follows:
Wealth God of the East Road: Bi Gan.
Wealth God of the South Road: Chai Rong.
Wealth God of the West Road: Guan Gong.
Wealth God of the North Road: Zhao Gongming.
Wealth God of the Central Road: Wang Hai.
Eastern Road Wealth God – Bi Gan:
Bi Gan was a noble figure in ancient times. He is known for his integrity and loyalty. As a Wealth God, he is often depicted as a solemn figure. His role is to bring prosperity and fortune from the east. People believe that worshipping Bi Gan can lead to success in business and financial stability.
Bi Gan was born in 1092 BC and passed away in 1029 BC. He was the second son of King Tai Ding of the Shang Dynasty, the younger brother of King Yi, and the uncle of King Zhou of Shang (or said to be his brother). His fiefdom was in Bi (now northwest of Fenyang County, Shanxi Province), so he was called Bi Gan. He served as a high-ranking official at the age of 20, assisting the Shang kings. He advocated reducing taxes and corvee, promoting the development of agriculture and animal husbandry, and emphasizing smelting and casting to strengthen the country. He was loyal and patriotic but was killed by King Zhou for his strong remonstrance. In Taoism, he is respected as the True Immortal of Guarding Wealth and Concealing Truth, and is regarded as a Wealth God. His festival day is the fourth day of the fourth lunar month.
Southern Road Wealth God – Chai Rong:
Chai Rong was an emperor in history. He was renowned for his benevolence and wisdom. As the Southern Road Wealth God, he is believed to bestow wealth and good fortune from the south. His image represents kindness and prosperity, inspiring people to strive for a better life.
Chai Rong (921 – 959) was the second emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty in the Five Dynasties period. He was adopted by his uncle-in-law Guo Wei as a teenager and changed his surname to Guo. During his reign, he implemented a series of policies to reform the internal affairs, such as reorganizing the military, developing water conservancy projects, revising the calendar, and promoting economic development. He was a wise and benevolent emperor in the chaotic period of the Five Dynasties. Since the Song and Yuan Dynasties, he has been regarded as a Wealth God by the people in the Central Plains area. He is also the patron saint of miners, kiln workers, construction workers, and the transportation industry.
Western Road Wealth God – Guan Gong:
Guan Gong, also known as Guan Yu, is a famous historical figure known for his loyalty and righteousness. As the Western Road Wealth God, he is regarded as a symbol of protection and prosperity. His image is often seen in temples and businesses, as people believe that his presence can bring good luck and success.
Guan Gong, also known as Guan Yu, with the courtesy name Yunchang, was a famous general in the Shu Han Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. He is widely known for his loyalty and bravery. He swore brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden and followed Liu Bei to fight in many battles, making great contributions to the establishment of the Shu Han Kingdom. In Taoism, he is respected as a Wealth God, mainly because his loyalty and righteousness are highly regarded by businessmen. People believe that worshipping Guan Gong can bring prosperity to business and wealth.
Northern Road Wealth God – Zhao Gongming:
Zhao Gongming is a powerful deity associated with wealth. He is often depicted holding magical weapons and riding a black tiger. As the Northern Road Wealth God, he is believed to bring wealth and fortune from the north. People worship him to seek financial blessings and protection.
Zhao Gongming is also known as Zhao Xuantan and is a god in Taoism. In the novel “Investiture of the Gods”, he was named the Black Altar True Lord. He is one of the most well-known Wealth Gods in Chinese folklore. He is in charge of the world’s wealth and is accompanied by four minor deities: the Immortal of Summoning Treasures, the Immortal of Gathering Treasures, the Messenger of Bringing Wealth, and the Immortal Official of Favorable Markets.
Central Road Wealth God – Wang Hai:
Wang Hai was an important figure in ancient commerce. As the Central Road Wealth God, he represents the center of wealth and prosperity. His story inspires people to engage in business with wisdom and integrity. People look up to him for guidance in achieving financial success and stability.
Wang Hai was the seventh leader of the Shang tribe. He led the people to tame cattle and horses, use animal power for production, and actively develop external trade. He is the originator of commercial trade. After the Shang Dynasty was established, the emperors posthumously enshrined him as Shang Gaozu. Later, he was also respected as the “Founder of Chinese Commerce” and “Zhongbin Wealth God”.
