The Supreme Lord of Thunder, Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua, is a deity revered in Chinese folklore and Taoism. He is the incarnation of the Emperor of Longevity in the South Pole and serves as the highest celestial god of thunder, overseeing a complex organization of thunder deities. His headquarters is at the Shenshao Yuqing Palace, which has three provinces and nine offices, thirty-six inner courts, Eastern and Western Huatai, Xuan Pavilion Miao Ge, four palaces and six courts, as well as various departments and divisions. The Thunder General of Jiutian, the Eight Directions Cloud Thunder General, the Five Directions Barbarian Thunder Envoy, and the Chief Envoy of the Thunder Department are all under his command. Among these offices are 36 thunder deities who strike thunder on behalf of heaven, all obeying the orders of Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua. Thunder is the pivot between yin and yang; it commands all things at their root. Therefore, without thunder, there can be no governance over the Three Realms. Thus, thunder represents categories; it brings forth myriad forms into groups. It is also the mechanism for creation and destruction initiated by primordial forces. The beginning of the universe was caused by an explosive intersection of yin and yang; this is also where thunder finds its purpose—hence its manifestation exists everywhere.
Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua governs life and death, rewards good and punishes evil, controls clouds and rain, vanquishes demons and subdues monsters while commanding thunder.
Most major Taoist temples worship Thunder Deities. On June 24th each year, devotees visit temples to burn incense for blessings and to ward off disasters. In some large ritual ceremonies conducted by the Zhengyi school of Taoism, there are often altars dedicated to Thunder Deities with content that invokes various heavenly lords from the Thunder Department during rituals.
The Precious Edict of Puhua Tianzun
With utmost sincerity I bow in reverence. To Jiutian Yingyuan Palace—Supreme Jade Purity King—manifesting throughout all directions while discussing Dao amidst nine phoenixes. Above thirty-six heavens lies a treasure trove filled with precious scriptures. A thousand five hundred kalpas ago was when true authority was established through great transformation. Holding a golden light wish-fulfilling jewel in hand while proclaiming the Precious Scripture of Jade Pivot. Transforming disobedience into fine dust with commands swift as wind and fire. With a pure heart to promote great aspirations; with wisdom’s strength to confront demons head-on. Commanding five thunders while operating within three realms; father to all beings; master to myriad spirits. Great Sage with immense compassion; supreme emperor embodying ultimate Dao.
(With sincere devotion recite this precious edict—ward off disasters for blessings that bring immeasurable merit)