Religion:Cao Gugu

Short description: Deity in Chinese folk religion

Cao Gugu (Chinese: 曹姑姑; literally: 'Aunty Cao') is a bodhisattva or deity in Chinese folk religion. In the ancient Huiji Temple, located in a small mountain village in Shanxi, Cao Gugu is venerated as a flesh-bodied bodhisattva—a 16-year-old girl who is said to have attained Buddhahood through selfless sacrifice. Her preserved body remains enshrined in the temple and is believed by some to emit a natural fragrance to this day.

Legend

According to local legend, Cao Gugu was a kind-hearted girl from Lianjiagang Village. When plans were made to construct Huiji Temple, she voluntarily took on the task of drawing water for the workers, waking before dawn each day to ensure their needs were met. The demanding labor eventually weakened her health. It is said that upon the temple's completion, she died while seated in meditation inside the temple at the age of 16.

To honor her kindness and sacrifice, the monks at the temple created a flesh-bodied Bodhisattva statue of Cao Gugu, which they have venerated day and night ever since. Over time, the statue has suffered some damage due to age and exposure, revealing parts of what is believed to be her actual preserved body beneath. Some visitors have reported sensing a faint fragrance when approaching the statue. According to local belief, it was Cao Gugu's pure and compassionate nature that allowed her to attain enlightenment and become a flesh-bodied bodhisattva at such a young age.