Tian Hou, also referred to as the Queen of Heaven or the Holy Mother, was born Lin Moniang (林默娘).

She is a 22nd generation descendent of Wang Lu (王祿), Prefect of the Junan County. The family has settled in the Fujian region, Putian County for generations. Her father is the honourable Wei Que, and her mother is of the Wang clan. Tian Hou is the 6th daughter in the family, born on the 23rd day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar, of the 57th Gengzi year of the Jian Long Era in the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song. The earth emitted purple light upon her birth, and her home was filled with a mysterious sweet fragrance, mesmerizing her neighbours. 

Tian Hou started studying the Confucian Classics and Budhist Sutras when she was eight years old. When she was 13 years old, she met the Taoist master Xuan Tong, who taught her the Taoist book of lore and obtained a copper talisman from an ancient well. She gained the powers to protect the people by warding off evil and the power to protect seafaring people. She demonstrated her spiritual powers on numerous occasions and villagers called her “Divine Maiden.” She often manifested across the waters, riding the clouds and travelling to various islands.


In the 4th Yongxi year of the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song (987 CE), she travelled to the peak of the Wei Mountain with her sisters and ascended to heaven amidst a sky of iridescent clouds. She was 28 years old at the time. After the ascension, she would frequently appear at sea wearing a red dress. She answers prayers given in times of floods, drought, and plague, and grants protections to those at sea who pray to her. Grateful for her protection, her villagers erected a temple in her honour and in gratitude for her protection. Because of Tian Hou’s generosity and miraculous work, many people subsequently erected temples and monuments in her honour.

“The Northern Star points to the north, while the Fung Ying (蓬瀛) Holy Mountains point east. At the height of autumn the continent and islands are white, when the sun rises the waves glow red.
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— In the Anecdotes about Spirits and Immortals, there was a poem that referenced Tian Hou

 Tian Hou was granted many official titles throughout history, the following are some examples:

  • Lady of Sublime Fortune, granted in 25th Zhaoxing Year of Emperor Gaozong of Song

  • Lady of Numinous Grace, granted in the 26th Zhaoxing Year

  • Lady of Spiritual Compassion and Benevolence, granted in the 10th Chunxi year of Emperor Xiaozong of Song

  • Noble Title of Princess of Numinous Grace, granted in the first year of the reign of Emperor Guangzong of Song

  • Her father Wei Que was granted the title Marquis of Prolific Celebrations, her mother of the Wang clan was granted the title of Lady of Prominent Celebrations for Tian Hou’s work in protecting the country in the 6th year of Emperor Ningzong of Song. Her elder brother was granted the title Immortal Official of Spiritual Response, and her elder sister was granted the title Lady of Compassion and Benevolence.  

  • Courageous Princess who Protects the Nation, granted in the first Jiading year of Emperor Ningzong 

  • Courageous Princess who Guides the Nation to Righteousness, granted in the first Baoyou year of Emperor Lizong 

  • Efficacious Princess who Guides the Nation to Righteous and Compassion, granted in the fourth Baoyou Year of Emperor Lizong

  • Illuminous Princess of Heaven who Protects the Nation, granted in the 18th Zhiyuan year of Emperor Shizu of Yuan (Kublai Khan)

  • One Who Aids the Divine Emperor to Protect the People, granted in the third Dade year of Emperor Chengzong of Yuan (Temür Khan)

  • Heavenly Princess Who Aids the Divine Emperor to Protect the People and Bring Benevolence and Blessings, granted in the second Tianli year of the Emperor Wenzong of Yuan (Jayaatu Khan Tugh Temür)

  • Holy Princess of Luminous Filial Piety and Benevolence, granted in the fifth Hongwu year of Emperor Taizu of Ming  

  • Heavenly Princess of Universal Mercy who Protect the Nation, granted in the seventh Yongle year of Emperor Chengzu of Ming

  • Heavenly Princess of Universal Mercy who Protect the Nation, granted in the 19th year of the Emperor Kangxi of Qing

  • Heavenly Princess of Universal Mercy who Protect the Nation and Bless All, granted in the 22nd year of Emperor Qianlong of Qing