Birthday of the Goddess of Mercy
The Goddess of Mercy Temple in George Town, Penang is fondly known among the
locals as 'Kuan Yin Teng' in Hokkien dialect. Stands as one of the oldest
Chinese temples in Penang, it was built in 1728 by Chinese settlers boasting
Hokkien and Cantonese architecture.
For Taoist devotees, the Birthday of Goddess of Mercy is the day of worship
where they seek good fortune, good health, good academic result, good marriage
and everything that one could thought of in their prayers. The temple is also
busy during the Chinese New Year period when people come to pray for good luck
and prosperity for the coming year.
Having said that, this atmosphere couldn't beat the days when the devotees
celebrate the birth, renowned and enlightenment of Goddess of Mercy which falls
on 19th day of 2nd, 6th and 9th Lunar month (according to Chinese calendar).
Among the common views includes sea of people would come jostling, some will
bring along fruits, flowers or vegetarian cookies/cakes as offering and burning
gigantic incense at the fore courtyard. If you are lucky, catch a sneak of
puppet or Chinese opera show which is classified as almost a highly 'vulnerable'
living heritage these days! It is usually played on a small stage at
granite-paved forecourt.
Located at the intersection where China Street meets Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
(formerly known as Pitt Street), The Goddess of Mercy Temple is always
incredibly active throughout the opening hours from as early morning and as late
as 8.00 pm.
Contact Information
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
11900 Georgetown
Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-261 6663
Opening Hours: Early morning to late evening
Getting there
From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian
bridge. Then turn right and walk along Pengkalan Weld until you reach Gat Lebuh
China, with the Malayan Railway Building in front of you. Turn left into Gat
Lebuh China and walk the distance. At the junction of Lebuh Pantai, Gat Lebuh
China becomes Lebuh China. Continue along Lebuh China and you will see the Kuan
Yin Teng right in front of you.
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