Iconic monument to peace

DEVOTEES of the 217-year-old Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin) Temple in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang, rejoiced after about 20 Buddhist monks consecrated all the statues within, two years after the temple’s restoration was completed.

The monks chanted solemnly for several hours in the packed shrine hall.

The consecration ceremony was first enlivened yesterday morning with the thunderous beats of the 24 seasons drum and a lion dance, much to the delight of tourists.

The forecourt of the temple also has a fresh look with an elaborate temporary archway set up.

Kong Hock Keong board of trustees chairman Datuk Seri Khoo Keat Siew opened the shrine hall which was then packed with guests who sang the Song of the Triple Gem.

Devotees praying during the consecration ceremony by monks at the shrine hall.

Led by Kong Hock Keong abbot Datuk Seri Ven Seck Jit Heng, the ceremony saw the unveiling of the Goddess of Mercy statue and a candle-lighting ceremony at the main temple hall.

A vegetarian lunch was served for everyone.

In his opening address, Khoo brought up a historical point about the temple’s importance in maintaining social harmony in society.

He said what made the temple unique was not only the fact that it is one of the oldest temples in Penang, but also that its origins had to do with the agreement by the Cantonese and Hokkien communities to co-exist peacefully.

A devotee offering incense before the statues of Guan Yin and various Dharma protectors at the Goddess of Mercy Temple in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang. — Photos and video: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

“Perhaps not many of us know about the foundations of this temple, which is based on a careful arrangement between the different dialect groups in the Chinese community to ensure a peaceful coexistence.

“There are three wells within this square that makes up the Guan Yin Temple.

“The most visible well is located near the big tree in the square beside the Chinese Town Hall.

“Another is in the forecourt that is now the management office of the temple and the third is right under Guan Yin’s altar.

A dragon dance troupe performing in front of the temporary archway erected for the celebration.

“These wells represent the social and spiritual cohesion that brings the Chinese people together,” he said.

He also said what began as a roof repair led to a full-scale conservation that included the creation of a small garden and interpretation panels that describe the temple’s history.

“I am particularly proud of the efforts, donations and time devoted to the conservation of this temple and now, the consecration ceremony to welcome deities to their rightful places,” he added.

Khoo said the first phase of the temple’s restoration started in 2011 after a storm caused the roof at the back of the hall to collapse.

He said the entire restoration cost about RM6mil.

(Seventh from left) Seck, Lim, Khoo and Tan (with blue tie) performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with monastics and community leaders.

Khoo also thanked Seck for his determination, courage and generosity in making it possible to celebrate the completion of the temple’s restoration and the consecration of all the temple statues.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced a state allocation of RM200,000 to the temple and a further RM50,000 from the Penang Island City Council.

Also present were Penang MCA chief Datuk Tan Teik Cheng and other community leaders.

The temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang with a history dating back to 1800.