Nezha (Chinese: 哪吒, Nézhā) is a well-known deity from Asian Mythology-combined, such as, he is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, also a protection deity in Taoism and Dharma protector in Buddhism, Hinduism and Chinese folk religion.
A popular character in Asian Folklore and folk religion combined; across South, South-east and East Asia, such as Mahabharata and Ramayana. He has appeared in many ancient books, religious scriptures, philosophy, poetry and literatures. In modern-era he has been adapted in many popular games and film adaptations.
His official Taoist name is "Marshal of the Central Altar" (中壇元帥). He was then given the title "Third Lotus Prince" (蓮花三太子) after he became a deity. His other known name is "Slayer of the 96 Demon caves".
Story[]
Birth[]
Origins: Nezha's (Nalakubera/Nata/Nacha) first appearance was in Indian Vedic, Buddhist scriptures and later Vajrayana Buddhist scriptures. Where he is described to be the Third Son of Vaiśravaṇa (Li Jing/Kubera/Bishamonten) who is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, and is considered an important figure in Buddhism.
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Relief of Nezha from Ping Sien Si Temple
In Fengshen Yanyi: Nezha was born to a warlord, Li Jing, and his wife, Lady Yin, during the Shang Dynasty. He was born as a burning red ball of fire instead of being born like a regular baby. Li Jing thought that his wife was cursed to birth a demon and had tried to attacked the ball, but when he was about to attack, out came a baby from the fireball like a lotus slowly opening it's leaves, thus giving him the nickname "The Lotus Prince".
In Journey to the West: Nezha is already a deity, working under both Eastern Heaven (Jade Emperor's Paradise, China) and Western Heaven(Buddhist Paradise, India) as a guardian God and major military god, considered as the second pilar of heaven alongside Erlang Shen(Yang Jian) being the first pilar of heaven. He battles with Sun Wukong twice in the epic tales. Also, assisted Sun Wukong in his journey to India(West) and protected Monk Tang.
Thepnaja Hat Yai Shrine Nezha
After he was born[]
In popular folk tales: Nezha had already knew had to walk and speak after he had just been born. Later, Nezha would also have two younger brothers that were ordinary unlike himself. One day, Nezha was playing along the beach shore with his friends and brothers, until, Ao Bing, the third son of the Sea King Dragon, emerged from the sea to confront Nezha. Nezha had killed Ao Bing in circumstances, resulting in the King Dragon becoming so enraged after his son's death, that he had sent Ao Kang and the rest of his brothers to kill Nezha as revenge. The dragon brothers of the North, South, and West had planned to flood a village to bring down Nezha; however, Nezha had sacrificed himself when he had fought the dragons in order to kill them. Luckily, his mentor, Taiyi Zhenren had brought Nezha back to life by growing a lotus in his place.
Aobing and Nezha portraited as Yin and Yang
Variations: Nezha's story is popular in Asian culture and has shifted in various forms, different tales and adaptations from ancient times. In many of these Variations, Nezha and Ao Bing were not enemies but soul mates with tragic fate as political and social circumstances with heaven and earth, relationships between different religion, races (humans and yaksha/demons) were in thin lines, resulting both of them to decide paths that were completely opposite of each other's perspective and personal opinion, resulting Ao Bing's death in a battle with Nezha.
Nezha and Buddha
Which enraged Ao Guang and he demanded Nezha's death. To protect the kingdom of the South-West from Dragon King's wrath, Nezha killed himself to avenge his karma. Later both Nezha and Ao Bing attained Niravana and became a deity of the heaven. He was resurrected by the Buddha and then uses his powers to subdue 96 caves of demons. This act of bravery and power earns him the title, solidifying his status as a protector against evil forces.
In other Variations, Nezha, unaware of his ability, had accidentally killed Ao Bing when they were young playing in the sea shore.
The Variations are endless!
In popular culture[]
Nezha has many film adaptations such as the 1979 animated film, Nezha conquers the Dragon King, the animated 52 episode series The Legend of Nezha (2003), Nezha (2014) a live action - version, Nezha (2019) the computer-animated version and following it's sequel Nezha 2 (2025). He has appeared as major characters in many video games that involve deities, such as Black Myth Wukong and Smite.
Classical: Nezha also makes an appearance in many ancient epic tales of Asia such as, China's greatest novels and most well-known, Journey of the West , Fengshen Yanyi as a major character, India's epic tales Mahabharata and Ramayana as major characters.
Gallery[]
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