Chinese Pet Owners Worship Dog God Diting for Pet Health and Protection at Sacred Jiuhua Mountain Pagoda

Across China, young pet owners are flocking to worship Diting, the Dog God, to seek blessings for their beloved companions' health, safety, and happiness. A unique pagoda dedicated to Diting at Jiuhua Mountain in Chizhou, eastern China's Anhui province, has become a popular destination for dog enthusiasts.

This distinctive site, reportedly China's only animal-honoring pagoda, has evolved into a powerful symbol of the deep bond between humans and their pets.

According to legend featured in South China Morning Post (SCMP), Earth Store Bodhisattva, known for protecting souls and preventing calamities, raised a white dog that remained by his side throughout his spiritual journey. When the Bodhisattva achieved enlightenment on Jiuhua Mountain, his faithful canine companion transformed into the divine being Diting.

Diting is described as having a remarkable appearance - a tiger's head, a single horn, dog ears, a dragon's body, and a lion's tail. This mystical figure embodies wisdom, justice, and loyalty, and is believed to possess the ability to discern good from evil through exceptional hearing and understanding of human thoughts.

To honor this legendary guardian, a pagoda featuring Diting's stone statue was constructed on Mount Jiuhua. The site has gradually attracted devotees from throughout China, with many bringing their dogs to pay homage to the Dog God. While adult visitors pay an entrance fee of 70 yuan (approximately Rs 887), pets are welcomed free of charge.

SCMP reported that on October 26, a woman named Wu Suowei visited the sacred location with her Shiba Inu, Duobao, who was suffering from stomach problems. The pagoda area was adorned with offerings of dog food and treats, while numerous pet owners sat with their dogs on the grass in prayer.

Wu positioned Duobao on a prayer stool and knelt beside him, petitioning Diting for his recovery. She also performed the ritual of circling the pagoda three times with her dog to seek divine blessings for his wellbeing.

Following her prayers, Wu briefly placed Duobao's collar and leash in incense ashes, adhering to the belief that this practice helps prevent pets from becoming lost.