Last week today was 2's Day. Plans of all sorts, memes making their rounds on social media, couples getting married and so Bestie_K and I decided we'd do something special too and drove up to the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang.
We wanted to go up the Kuan Yin Goddess of Mercy Pavilion, but it was cordoned off and they were busy bringing down the red lanterns, that were strung all around the grounds. Apparently, they were getting ready for some prayers later in the day.
The Goddess stands at 30.2 meters tall and the Pavillion is over 80 metres tall.
On the grounds, there were these buildings with stone carvings.
The intricate designs tell stories passed down through generations.
Most of these could only be appreciated from the outside.
These tiles are for sale to help repair the temple. For a fee, depending on the size of the tile, one can write the names of their loved ones as they make a wish to the Goddess. These "wish" tiles will then be used when needed.
Candles in pineapple-shaped glass can also be purchased, lit for prayers for your loved ones.
Bestie_K wanted to pray, so while she did, I walked around taking pictures of the surroundings.
This is inside the temple, where you can burn joss-sticks and kneel to pray.
The Goddess has many arms, as she pours her gifts into her devotees.
Most of these items are left around with their price tags and the donation box so you can take what you need and do the necessary payment.
This big cauldron is where you can leave your joss-sticks to burn through.
This is the temple and I took this from just in front of the cauldron.
The water pavilion beside the temple.
You can sit here to meditate or just soak in the peaceful surroundings serenaded by the waterfalls.
The place was relatively quiet. Apart from the workers taking down the lanterns and a few worshippers, it was pleasantly serene.
There was a magical calm that settled upon us as soon as we stepped on the grounds. We enjoyed the hour visit immensely. We could even see Penang town as the temple is stationed on a hill. And yes, this is a tourist attraction and anyone can visit.
We had to pay RM3/$.70 to park on the grounds but otherwise, it is free.
all images are mine