Discovering Kek Lok Si Temple

Facts about Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, Malaysia

Largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia: Kek Lok Si Temple, located on a 10-acre property in Air Itam, Penang, is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It was created in 1890 as a Buddhist retreat center by Venerable Beow Lean, an immigrant Chinese Buddhist.

Buddhist Teachings and Chinese Culture in Harmony: The temple is unique in that it practices both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism while also accepting Chinese cultural influences. Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are two distinct branches of Buddhism, with followers primarily in East and Southeast Asian countries, respectively.

Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas: One of the main attractions is the seven-story pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of Rama VI. It houses an outstanding collection of 10,000 Buddha statues made of alabaster and metal. The pagoda’s design incorporates elements from China, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Bronze Statue of Guanyin: Another highlight of the temple is the 36.57-meter-tall bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Guanyin is a Buddhist bodhisattva who represents compassion and kindness and can be found in many Buddhist temples.

Architectural Fusion: The building of Kek Lok Si Temple shows a harmonic blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese elements, symbolizing Malaysia’s coexistence of various Buddhist traditions and civilizations.

Pilgrimage Site & Tourist Attraction: Each year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world go to the temple, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It also conducts major celebrations around Chinese New Year, attracting tourists with its spectacular lighting and decorations.