Tow Boo Kong Temple (Nine Emperor Gods)

The Tow Boo Kong Temple in Raja Uda, Butterworth, is one of Penang’s largest and most impressive Taoist temples, dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods. What began as a small shrine in the 1970s has grown into a grand complex featuring ornate dragon pillars, intricate carvings, and a beautifully landscaped courtyard. The temple becomes especially lively during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival in the ninth lunar month, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors for prayers, processions, and cultural performances that fill the streets with color and devotion.

The Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple

This old The Nine Emperor Gods Temple (a townhouse painted in yellow) is located at Cheong Fatt Tze Street, George Town.

Primarily observed by the local Chinese, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a 9-days Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year’s celebration will be ending on the 17th October. During a 9-days period, devotees will be observing a strict vegetarian diet.

“The festival is dedicated to the nine sons of Dou Mu, the Goddess of the North Star, who is believed to control the Books of Life and Death. Devotees believe the deities arrive through the waterway and processions are usually held from temples to the river or seashore as a symbolic gesture.”

Macallum Street Ghaut: Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple

The Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple at Macallum Street Ghaut, George Town.

Primarily observed by the local Chinese, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a 9-days Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year’s celebration started last week and today is the last day. During this 9-days period, devotees will be observing a strict vegetarian diet. It was said that it usually rains on the last day of this festival.

Penang Mainland: Temple of the Nine Emperor Gods

The Tow Boo Kong temple is a temple worshiping the Nine Emperors Gods which is located at Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang. The remarkably distinctive temple is a beautiful sight as the temple is intricately adorned with mythical Chinese carvings outside and within the temple courtyard.