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Origin[]
Nezha , also known as Na-zha (Na-ja) or Nata, is a Taoist protection deity, originally of Chinese Buddhist mythology. His official Taoist name is "Marshal of the Central Altar". He was then given the title "Third Lotus Prince" after he became a deity. Modern scholarship, according to Meir Shahar, has shown that he is based on two figures from Hindu mythology, namely Nalakubar and Krishna.One day, the people of Chentang Pass asked for rain, and sacrificed much food to the East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang. The King rejected the food and required instead girls and boys to eat. He sent Ye Sha to capture for him a girl and boy. Nezha and two other children were playing by the sea when Ye Sha appeared and captured on of Nezha's friends. Nezha then fought him and injured him severely, causing him to return to the King and beg for someone else to take care of Nezha. The King sent Ao Bing, the third son of the East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang. Ao Bing was slain by Nezha. Ao Guang called for his brothers and confronted Nezha and his family. He threatened to flood Chentang Pass and report Nezha to the Jade Emperor. To save his family and the people, Nezha committed suicide himself to return his body to his parents. The Dragon Kings then hosted a huge celebration. Nezha was later brought back to life by his teacher, Taiyi Zhenren, who used lotus roots to construct a human body for his soul and gave him two new weapons: Wind Fire Wheels and a Fire-tipped Spear. Nezha then defeated the Dragon Kings.