On the Stairs of Kek Lok Si Temple
- Trip And Zip
- Jan 2, 2013
- 2 min read
Among the many tourist attractions in Penang, one temple is especially important for the Buddhist community in Malaysia. Kek Lok Si Temple is not only one of the largest places of worship in Southeast Asia but also a complex and harmonious blend of architectural styles related to Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals.
A good example here is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, in which the composition can be distinguished by the Chinese-style foundation, Thai-style median part, and the upper Burmese style. This reflects worship in the temple of the two main schools of Buddhism, Mahayana and Theravada.
Sure, for first-time visitors like us, the differences are minimal, but with a little sense of observation and accompanied by a good guidebook, the aspects become consistent and can be admired.
The entire structure is vast and includes three main sections: the halls of worship for Gautama Buddha, the founder of the faith; the hall of the Laughing Buddha, spreading prosperity and happiness; and the area dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
On the upper level, there is an impressive 30-meter-tall statue of Kuan Yin, depicted in one of the traditional stances, holding a pot with water in one hand. The goddess is a very complex character, as she can also be regarded as Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Universal Compassion.
For about two hours, we found ourselves lost among the deities worshiped locally, Buddha representations, and various Bodhisattvas, along with strange-looking statues—often frightening—that guard the entrances and principal places of prayer. Kek Lok Si Temple is truly an unforgettable experience, combining spirituality, art, and culture in one magnificent setting.
Comments