Goddess of Birth

｜Photo: The Wondrous Temple Expedition ｜

Goddess of Birth’s official title is ‘Shuntian Shengmu.’ Goddess of Birth is in charge of all female giving birth. Her statue holds the Book of Birth in the left and a pen in the right. Legend has it that the number of children that a woman will bear is written on the Book of Birth. She knows if you will have a boy, girl, or no child at all. If you pray sincerely, Goddess of Birth may alter the record on the Book of Birth. Goddess of Birth is worshipped by couples who plan to have children. She not only grants babies to couples, but also protects the health of the newborns. There was a saying that there was a drought when Goddess of Birth was pregnant. She prayed to heaven for some rainfall so crops could grow. She was so exhausted from praying that she did not have any strength left to deliver the baby. After she passed away, she became a goddess to help women giving birth smoothly.

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Fun Facts

In Taiwanese temples, you can often see Earth God and Goddess of Birth standing next to the primary deity. Goddess of Birth takes care of women giving birth. In ancient society, a woman’s job was solely to a bear babies for her husband to continue the bloodline. It was auspicious to have lots of children, so women faced the pressure to give birth. Those who had yet to have children were constantly reminded to have babies soon. Those who had babies already hoped their children would grow up in good health. As a result, there was a demand for a deity who oversees the safety of women and the wellbeing of children, and that’s why we have Goddess of Birth.

Source Text: Amber Wang｜Photo: The Wondrous Temple Expedition｜ Reference: Kaohsiung Sun Fong Temple