The Tian Di (天帝) is the supreme lord in Chinese mythology, the emperor who rules the heavens and the worlds, and the supreme god sometimes changes with different dynasties. In the early period, Tian Di had a strong coloring of a personal god. In the later Confucian beliefs, the color of the personalities of the Tian Di disappeared.
The Tian Di was the ancient Heavenly Court’s honorific title for the ruler of the Heavenly Realm.
Fu Xi(伏羲), Hao Tian Shang Di(昊天上帝), Wu Fang Tian Di(五方天帝), Di Jun(帝俊), Yan Di(炎帝), Huang Di(黄帝), Tai Yi(太一), Tian Huang Da Di(天皇大帝), Zi Wei Da Di(紫薇大帝) and even other ancient figures or gods were once called the Tian Di.
It can be seen that Tian Di mostly evolved from ancient tribal leaders and natural beliefs.
In Chinese mythology, the Tian Di is not the same as Yu Huang Da Di (the Jade Emperor).
The Tian Di is a natural deity with supreme authority and power.
He is the upholder of order in the three realms.
The Tian Di is responsible for maintaining order and peace in the heavenly realm.
He is also concerned about the well-being of the earth.
The Tian Di is often personally involved in making decisions on major events.
The image of the Tian Di is majestic and dignified, and he possesses supreme divine power and wisdom.
He is a god who is worshipped by both the heavenly realm and the earthly world.
Yu Huang Da Di (玉皇大帝,玉帝) is the main god in Taoist mythology.
The image and status of Yu Huang Da Di gradually took shape during the Song and Ming Dynasties.
Yu Huang Da Di is the lord of the heavenly realm, following the Tian Di.
Yu Huang Da Di also maintains order and peace in the three realms, but manages them more indirectly.
Yu Huang Da Di governed by making rules and dispatching deities.
Yu Huang Da Di is portrayed as more hands-on and is often depicted as a kindly elder.
Yu Huang Da Di cares about the suffering and well-being of all beings.
In Taoist beliefs, Yu Huang Da Di is an important object of prayer for peace and happiness.
In short, the Tian Di was the supreme ruler of the three realms in ancient times.
Although Yu Huang Da Di was also the lord of the three realms, in some myths his status was slightly inferior or inferior to that of the Tian Di.
Both are honored deities in the heavenly realm, but the Tian Di has a more esteemed status.
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