Her given name was Lin Mo-niang. Legend has it that she was born on the 23rd day of the third lunar month in the first year of Jianlong during the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song, in Dongluo Village, Meizhou Island, Putian County. Because after birth did not cry, she was named 'Mo' (silent).

 

When Lin Mo-niang was first born, the room was filled with red light and a mysterious aura. As she was born a full month old and did not cry, she was named Mo-niang. Lin Mo-niang began studying at the age of eight and enjoyed burning incense and worshipping Buddha. At thirteen, she obtained the secret methods of the Taoist scriptures. At sixteen, she obtained a talisman by looking into a well and could spread a mat to cross the sea and rescue people. At twenty-eight, she ascended to heaven after rescuing people from a shipwreck. After achieving enlightenment, prayers were always answered.

 

It is said that the Heavenly Queen has attendants, Thousand-Mile Eye and Wind-Following Ear, who can rescue from a thousand miles away. The Heavenly Queen often wears a crimson robe and rides the clouds, traveling among the islands. If a strong sea wind suddenly arises and a ship encounters disaster, as long as one recites the Heavenly Queen's holy name, Mazu will arrive to rescue them. The 'Taishang Laojun Says the Heavenly Consort's Spiritually Responsive Scripture for Saving from Suffering' states that Mazu rescues those from 'overturned boats, loss of life, accidental injury, and inescapable predicaments.' Later, the Heavenly Queen's functions were slightly expanded. The same scripture also states, 'If there are traveling merchants and sedentary traders, buying and selling to accumulate wealth, or farmers and artisans, planting and operating, or soldiers arranging formations, or difficult childbirth,' 'or illness,' 'as long as one can cultivate a respectful heart and call my name, I will immediately respond to the感应 (gǎnyìng - spiritual response), allowing them to achieve their wishes and have their plans succeed.' Therefore, worshipping the Heavenly Queen can bring various blessings.