Kuan Yin temple which is located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (previously known as
Pitts street), are doubt as one of the oldest Chinese temple in Penang. With history
dated back to 1800, Kuan Yin temple is the symbol of pride, compassion and love to
all her loyal devotees.
The Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin is perhaps one of the noticeable figures of all
Buddhist deities in Penang today. She enlightened and embodies the attributes of
benevolence and unshakable loving compassion that is accessible to everyone.
The popularity of Kuan Yin as a beautiful white-robed goddess filled with pure
devotion and compassion are well known to the people of Penang. Kuan Yin statue is
commonly found in homes and Buddhist temples in various incarnations, often
cloaked in white robes.
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The History of Kuan Yin
For centuries, Kuan Yin has epitomized
the great ideal of Mahayana Buddhism in
her role as "bodhisattva” who has
foregone the bliss of Nirvana. She vows
to save all children of God and to help
them attained enlightment.
Kuan Yin's name is a translation of the
Sanskrit name of her chief predecessor
who is Avalokitesvara and which in plain
English means "She who heeds to the
cries of the world".
She is often frequently portrayed as a
slender woman in flowing white robes who
carries in one hand a white lotus and a
string of prayer beads in the other hand
signifying a symbol of purity, devotion and
compassion. Many figures of Kuan Yin can
be identified by the presence of a small
image of Amitabha in her crown. With
Kuan Yin merciful presence, even those
who need to be served a severe
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punishment will be spared. In her eyes, compassion is much stronger than
punishment.
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The Great Temple of Compassion
Kuan Yin Temple has become a main attraction not only to the thousand of Buddhist
devotees but also tourist from all over the world. The temple are built with
characteristic of Chinese architecture and carved with dragon and many mysterious
creatures that stood up and act as the guardian of the temple. Within the temple, in
an inner chamber, is a statue of an 18-armed Kuan Yin with each hand either
containing a different cosmic symbol or expressing a specific ritual position.
In the courtyard are two huge iron stoves where devotees burn paper offerings
(gold and silver paper), an octagonal well which was once a public well for the
Chinese community as well as a comforting sight to view feeding of flocking pigeons.
It is also here that the followers of Hare Krishnan distribute food free to the
homeless, beggars and the hungry irregardless of their race and religion.
There are several stories regarding Kuan Yin temple, although very little are
documented in official records. For example, it was claimed that during WW2, the
Japanese dropped a bomb on the temple with the intention of destroying it. Through
sheer luck (or divine intervention), the bomb dropped in the courtyard instead and
Kuan Yin temple was left untouched. Others described how a large number of
Penangites took shelter in the Kuan Yin temple during the war.
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Kuan Yin Temple Feast
Kuan Yin temple is normally congested with thousand of
devotees burning their joss sticks on the full moon of the
1st and 15th day of the Chinese lunar month.
On the three enlightenment days of Kuan Yin, the 19th
day of the 2nd, 6th and 9th Chinese lunar month, the
whole temple is packed with devotees and visitors who
turn up not only for worship but also to join in the
celebrations and to watch puppet & Chinese opera shows
which are staged on the temple's open grounds.
With Kuan Yin standing tall in the heart of George Town,
there will be forever be endless compassion and devotion
that can bring about the prosperity and racial harmony in
Penang for many years to come.
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Photo courtesy of www.tourismpenang.gov.com.my © All rights reserved
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Return from Kuan Yin Temple to Penang Tourist Attractions
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Return from Kuan Yin Temple to Penang Vacations (Home Page)
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