位於杭州北高峰之上的靈順寺，因供奉財神而被譽為“天下第一財神廟”，成為全國求財信眾最為嚮往的地方之一。靈順寺歷史悠久，可追溯至東晉鹹和年間，與靈隱寺同為印度慧理和尚創建的“五靈”之一。千百年來，這座小小的古刹不僅是佛教修行之地，也因融合了民間財神信俗而獨樹一幟，每年吸引無數慕名而來的遊客與信徒，旺季時前往寺廟的纜車隊伍往往需要排隊數小時。

靈順寺之所以與財神廟緊密聯繫，起源于宋代。寺中供奉五顯財神，並且獲得宋徽宗的賜額“靈順”。到了明朝，寺院又設殿供奉華光財神，清康熙年間留下“華光廟”的墨寶，乾隆時期題寫“財神真君”。歷代文人墨客也常到此一遊，其中明代才子徐渭雖命運多舛、屢試不第，卻在靈順寺留下“天下第一財神廟”的墨寶，可見其文化與藝術影響力之深遠。

如今的靈順寺，除了傳統的本土三聖佛與四大菩薩之外，主要供奉文武財神、華光財神及五色財神。其中，華光財神形象深入人心，三隻眼睛、手捧三角金磚，象徵財運亨通。對於初次前來的信眾而言，如果對財神文化不夠熟悉，很可能會在拜祭時出現誤差，因此參拜時最好先瞭解各財神的職能與象徵意義。

靈順寺不僅是一處宗教勝地，更是杭州旅遊的重要文化名片。無論是沿古道徒步攀登、乘坐纜車觀光，還是從美人峰穿行至法喜寺，遊客都能在山水環繞中感受千年古刹的靈氣與歷史厚重感。作為全國最靈驗的求財聖地之一，靈順寺無疑吸引了無數人懷揣心願前來祈福、求財。

Perched atop the Beigao Peak in Hangzhou, Lingshun Temple is famously known as the “Number One God of Wealth Temple in the World,” making it one of the most sought-after destinations for devotees hoping to pray for wealth. The temple has a long history dating back to the Eastern Jin dynasty (Xianhe era) and, along with Lingyin Temple, was established by the Indian monk Hui Li as one of the “Five Spirits” temples. Over centuries, this modest yet culturally significant temple has become unique for integrating Buddhist practice with popular folk beliefs surrounding the God of Wealth. Every year, countless visitors and worshippers flock to the temple, and during peak season, queues for the cable car can last several hours.

The association of Lingshun Temple with wealth worship began during the Song dynasty, when the temple enshrined the Five Manifested Gods of Wealth and received an imperial plaque from Emperor Huizong bearing the name “Lingshun.” During the Ming dynasty, the temple added a hall dedicated to the Huaguang God of Wealth, and in the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi left the calligraphy “Huaguang Temple,” while Emperor Qianlong later inscribed “True Wealth God.” The temple also attracted numerous scholars and literati. One notable example is the Ming dynasty talent Xu Wei, who, despite repeated failures and misfortunes, visited the temple and left the inscription “Number One God of Wealth Temple in the World,” reflecting the temple’s cultural and artistic significance.

Today, Lingshun Temple primarily enshrines Wenwu God of Wealth, Huaguang God of Wealth, and the Five-Colored Gods of Wealth, alongside traditional Three Saints Buddha and the Four Great Bodhisattvas. The Huaguang God of Wealth, with his three eyes and the iconic triangular gold bricks in hand, is especially recognizable and symbolizes prosperous fortune. For visitors unfamiliar with the God of Wealth traditions, it is easy to make mistakes during worship, so understanding the roles and symbolism of each deity is recommended before paying respects.

Beyond its religious significance, Lingshun Temple is an important cultural attraction in Hangzhou. Whether ascending via the ancient trails, riding the cable car, or trekking from Meiren Peak to Faxing Temple, visitors can experience the temple’s spiritual atmosphere amid stunning natural scenery. As one of the most revered wealth-worship sites in China, Lingshun Temple continues to draw countless devotees seeking blessings and fortune.