The controversial Kung Fu Master and Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin was leading a prayer rituals for the Tianjin Blasts victims early Friday morning, according to Nandu Daily .

Shi and his hundred disciples were praying for the victims at the temple’s Great Buddha Hall.

Shi was recently accused of embezzling money and having fathered children with several women.

The religious affairs authorities in China’s Henan Province has reportedly started investigating him to safeguard the religious society's rights.

Since Shi became the Shaolin abbot in 1999, he has remained a controversial figure. Allegations of corruption and misconduct have often plagued Shi, such as reports of him owning a luxury car, accepting a $25,000 robe given by local officials, hiring prostitutes and keeping mistresses.

One of the biggest criticisms toward the abbot has been how he has promoted the Shaolin brand and turned it into a multimillion-dollar business. Earlier this year, he wrote a $3-million check to an Australian town to build a Shaolin branch there, in the name of cultural promotion.