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Kek Lok Si Temple
Jalan Balik Pulau Air Itam, Penang 11500 Phone: +60 4-828 3317 Average Price: US$ 0 per person http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal3/what-to-see/attractions/kek-lok-si-temple.htmlAbout
The Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang Hokkien for "Temple of Supreme Bliss"; Simplified Chinese; Traditional Chinese) is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang and is one of the best known temples on the island.
Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals blend into a harmonious whole, both in the temple architecture and artwork as well as in the daily activities of worshippers.
Most visitors approach the temple as they ascend a stairway, roofs of which provide shelter to a multitude of shops selling souvenirs and other - mostly secular - commodities. They pass by a so-called Liberation Pond, following the buddhist tradition of merit-making, turtles may be released into freedom, albeit a limited one.
The temple itself consists of several large hall for assembly and prayer, here, statues of Buddha, various Bodhisattvas as well as Chinese gods are being venerated. Intricate woodwork, often brightly painted and a plethora of laterns add to the visual impression.
There is an inclined lift to carry pilgrims and visitors further uphill. On the elevated platform, you can find a pond filled with Koi and the towering statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, which can also be regarded as Avalokitheshvara, Bodhisattva of Universal Compassion.
The Temple brightly illuminated during the 33 nights following Chinese New Year
Expert Review
"Kek Lok Si is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and extremely popular as a retreat for monks and Taoists striving for immortality. The best time to visit Kek Lok Si is during the Chinese New Year celebrations, when the temple is adorned with thousands of bright hanging lanterns. At other times, there is still much to see, with prayer halls, pagodas, bell towers and a tortoise pond topping the list."
28 Aug 2013
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