Malaysia / China: Carving of the fire god Luo Xuan, depicting his role in the 16th Century Ming Dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi ('Investiture of the Gods'). From Ping Sien Si Temple, Pasir Panjang Laut

Luo Xuan was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', and was one of the chinese gods of fire. Also known as Huo De Xing Zhun, the Stellar Sovereign of Fire, Luo Xuan served in the heavenly Ministry of Fire, with a red face, red hair and beard, and red robes. He was also said to have had three eyes, and rode a horse that could shoot flames from its nostrils and hoofs.

Luo Xuan came down from the heavens to fight Emperor Zhou of Shang, due to his tyranny, transforming into a giant with three heads and six arms. However, as he descended onto the battlefield, his flames spread rapidly, threatening to burn everything down. Only the intervention of Princess Longxi, daughter of the Queen Mother of the West Xiwangmu, stopped the fire from consuming everything, her magical water and rain powers putting the fire out.

Luo Xuan immediately fled from the battlefield for the mountains, but he was intercepted and stopped by Heavenly King Li, who dropped his pagoda on Luo Xuan and broke his skull.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Anandajoti

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