More people allowed into temple for Jade Emperor’s birthday

Offering prayers at the Jade Emperor God Temple are (from left) Loh, Kee and Yap.

DEVOTEES were back in full force for the Thnee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s birthday) celebration at the Jade Emperor God Temple at the foot of Penang Hill in Ayer Itam.

Since Monday they were seen climbing the stairs to the temple to offer prayers to the Jade Emperor and other deities.

Those with disabilities drove up to the back entrance of the temple.

Temple caretaker Tan Jue Hui said although more visitors turned up this year, other activities, apart from prayers, could not be held.

“Last year, only 30 people were allowed in at a time.

“This year, we limited the crowd to half the capacity, which is about 200 people.

“Only the main and rear entrances are open with volunteers ensuring crowd control,” she said.

Among those who turned up were ex-schoolmates Yap Li Wen, Loh Kher Sin and Kee Chia Xuan, all aged 23.

“This is our first time visiting the temple after reading about it on the Internet.

“To avoid the crowd, we came early and prayed for peace and everyone’s health because of Covid-19,” said Yap.

The Thnee Kong Seh celebration starts on the night of the eighth day of Chinese New Year.

The following day is the Jade Emperor’s birthday, which is also regarded as the Hokkien New Year.

Bai Tian Gong is the prayer to give thanks to the Jade Emperor, who is the divinity said to have rescued the ancestors of Hokkiens from an invading army.

Legend has it that Hokkiens from Fujian province in China survived persecution by hiding in a sugarcane plantation for nine consecutive days during Chinese New Year.

Hokkiens have since then celebrated the lunar new year on a grander scale on the ninth day.