Malaysia Destinations | Places of Interest in Malaysia

Penang > Kek Lok Si Temple

Ayer Itam, Penang,
Malaysia

Tel: +604-828 3317

What are the reasons to visit?

The largest pagoda in Malaysia, one of the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia with unique architecture on top of Crane Hill which holds auspicious symbol.

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest and finest Buddhist temple complexes in South-East Asia. The founder ot the temple is Venerable Beow Lean, from Fujian China, who held the position as Chief Monk-in-residence in Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple) in Pitt Street, Penang. Named the hill Huock San (Crane Hill), he envisioned a monastery as a retreat for the Buddhists.

What to Look Up for?

1. "Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas"

The most spectacular landmark in Kek Lok Si is the Pagoda of Rama VI, popularly known as "Wan Fo Pau T'a" or "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". Contruction commenced in 1915 and completed in 1930, it is the largest pagoda in Malaysia.

The pagoda architecture has an embrace of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism with a Chinese octagonal base, middle tiers of Thai architecture and a Burmese-styled crown.

2. Four Heavenly Kings

There are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings in the Tian Huang Dian (Hall of the Devas or Heavenly Kings). They are

Kuang Mu, the Giant of the North holds a reptile which will devour anyone at his command.
Tou Wen, the Gurdian of the South or Lord of Growth, who holds the "Umbrella of Chaos" which when opened, would extinguish all light and plunge the world into darkness.
Ch'i Kuo, Guardian of the West, carries a guitar that can burns down enemy camps and brings harmony to the virtuous.
Ch'ng Chang, Guardian of the East, who holds a sword that can spears spew forth admist a thouderous gale.

The "Laughing Buddha" also known as "Buddha of the Future" or "Buddha to Come" sits in the center of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, bringing good luck and prosperity.

3. Scared Turtle Pond

Besides the prayer hall and a series of monateries, there are beautiful landscaped garden and sacred ponds like "LIberation Pond" or "Scared Turtle Pond". It is believed that setting a captive turtle free in the sacred pond as an act of spiritual liberation.

4. Kuan Yin statue

The 30.2m bronze Kuan Yin statue or the statue of the "Greatly Compassionate & Sagely Kuan Yin Bodhisattva" was completed and opned to public in year 2002.

5. Interesting steps path towards the temple

There are shops selling tourist souvenirs along two sides of the narrow flight of ancient granite steps leading to the temple.

ADMISSION:	RM2.00 per person to the pagoda
OPENING HOURS :	9.00am - 6.00pm daily
TEL:	+604-828 3317
GETTING THERE:

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