How to Worship Tudigong on Touya (First Worship) for Prosperity & Good Fortune: A Complete Guide (2026 Updated)

Hey everyone, did you know that yesterday (March 18th) marked the second day of the second lunar month? That's right, it's the "Touya" or First Worship day for our beloved Tudigong (God of the Land)! It also coincides with the auspicious day of "Dragon Raising its Head." If you missed visiting the temple yesterday, don't worry – you can still make up for it today! Having spent decades around local temples, I'm here to share the complete guide on how to worship Tudigong on Touya to attract prosperity and ensure a smooth year ahead.

What is "Touya" (First Worship) and Why is it Considered So Auspicious?

To understand "Touya," we need to look at traditional business customs. Business owners used to worship Tudigong on the 2nd and 16th of each lunar month, a practice called "Zuoya." The first "Zuoya" of the year, on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month, is "Touya" (First Worship), and the last one, on the 16th of the 12th lunar month, is "Weiya" (Year-End Worship). Touya is also considered Tudigong's birthday and the day when the "Dragon King," who controls the weather, raises his head. With two such significant days coinciding, the energy is believed to be incredibly powerful! That's why praying for wealth, career success, and safety on this day is thought to be particularly effective.

[Tudigong Worship Guide] Prepare These Offerings to Delight the God of the Land

Sincerity is key when worshipping Tudigong, but a few tips can enhance your prayers. Here's a handy checklist to follow:

• Glutinous Rice Cakes (Mochi): A must-have! Their soft, sticky texture symbolizes "sticking" wealth to you. It's also a sweet treat for Tudigong, so he speaks well of you throughout the year.
• Peanuts: In local parlance, the word for peanut sounds like "growing old," symbolizing longevity and health. It's a prayer for Tudigong's blessings for your family's well-being.
• Wine: Offering wine is a sign of respect. Three small cups of clear wine or rice wine are perfect.
• Meat Platter: If you have major wishes for your home or business, you can prepare a simple platter with chicken, pork, and fish to show your sincerity.
• Fruits: Choose fruits with auspicious meanings, like pineapple (prosperity), apple (peace), and orange (luck).
• Fortune Cakes or Red Turtle Cakes: These symbolize your career and luck "taking off" or flourishing.
• Joss Paper: Remember to get the special joss paper for Tudigong, like Fu Jin and Shou Jin. Just tell the incense shop owner it's for Tudigong, and they'll prepare the right set.

Remember to keep your offerings fresh and neatly arranged. Light some incense, sincerely introduce yourself to Tudigong, and then state your wishes.

How to "Boost Your Wealth" on Touya? Ancient Secrets Revealed

Many ask me how to maximize prosperity during Touya. Besides the basic worship, there are a few key details to keep in mind:

First, touch Tudigong's beard and cane. In many temples, devotees can gently touch the statue's white beard (symbolizing longevity and wisdom) and cane (symbolizing support for your career). After touching, gesture from the top of your head down to your pocket, symbolizing bringing the blessings home.

Second, seek "Money Mother." Some Tudigong temples offer blessed coins, known as "Money Mother," for devotees. You can make a small donation and take one of these coins home. Keep it in your wallet or safe to help your money multiply.

Third, perform the wealth-boosting ritual. If you feel your finances have been stagnant, prepare a specific "wealth-boosting" joss paper set. During your prayers, tell Tudigong you have come specifically to "fill your treasury" and seek his blessings for abundant wealth. After praying, the joss paper must be burned in the designated incense burner.

Absolute Taboos to Avoid! Don't Worship Incorrectly and Risk Losing Wealth

Just as there are proper methods, there are also taboos. I've heard friends say things went wrong after worshipping, only to realize they made these mistakes:

• Avoid offering bitter gourd or white radish: While white radish can mean "good omen," white foods are traditionally associated with funerals. It's best to avoid them when worshipping deities. Bitter gourd is obvious – who wants to invite bitterness?
• Avoid offering wax apple: Its hollow center symbolizes being "heartless" or insincere, which is disrespectful.
• Always eat the offered glutinous rice cakes: This symbolizes consuming the wealth and prosperity you've prayed for – don't waste them.

Well, these tips are what I've gathered from temple keepers and seniors over the decades. I've followed them every Touya, and my career has remained steady. If you visited the temple yesterday, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below and let everyone know how effective Tudigong's blessings can be! For those who haven't gone yet, you still have time today. Visit your local Tudigong temple – you might just be the next one blessed by the God of Wealth!