Tag: temple

George Town: Temple of the Nine Emperor Gods

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This Temple of the Nine Emperor Gods in George Town is reportedly the oldest temple to worship the Nine Emperor Gods in Penang. Established way back in 1840, the temple has since transformed from a small shrine to its current state. It can be found along Cheong Fatt Tze Street. Two other such temples in Penang can be found at Macallum Street and in Butterworth.

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 kick off today (4th October). During this 9-days period, devotees will be observing a strict vegetarian diet.

Penang Isle: Burmah Road Kuan Yin Temple

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Located along Burmah Road, this is yet another temple dedicated for Kuan Yin or the Goddess of mercy (similarly to the one at Pitt Street) in George Town. This temple was reportedly founded in 1922 by an abbot of Kek Lok Si Temple. This temple is also crowded usually during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, despite it not being the Nine Emperor Gods temple.

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Penang Isle: Pavilion of the Jade Emperor

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Pavilion of the Jade Emperor is a temple complex built on the slope of the Penang Hill and is nearby the lower tram station.
The temple was built for the worship of the Chinese Jade Emperor (Thnee Kong). The birthday of the Jade Emperor, which falls on the ninth day of Chinese New Year, is celebrated by the Hokkien community who offer prayers and food items to the protector of their ancestors in China.

The Taoist temple complex has been undergoing major renovation since 2002 but its history and existence stretches much further to 1905. It was still a small Taoist shrine back then.

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The Jade Emperor deity statue. Prayers and offerings are made during his birthday on the ninth day of the lunar new year.

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The Entrance Arch to the temple from the main road.

Penang Isle: Hean Boo Thean Temple

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Hean Boo Thean Temple is a recent Chinese temple built at one of the clan jetties in Weld Quay, George Town. The temple is built on top of the coastal waters and during high tide season, the temple looks as if it is floating on top of the sea.