FOR the first time in history, the 900-year-old sacred statue of Chin Swee deity from Fujian, China, will leave the country for Malaysia.
The 2.5ft-tall statue from Anxi Ancestral Temple will arrive at Chin Swee Caves Temple in Genting Highlands, Pahang on Oct 22 as part of the temple’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The historic arrival of the statue provides a rare opportunity for devotees in Malaysia to pay homage and seek blessings.
Chin Swee Caves Temple Building Society chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said the Golden Jubilee Water and Land Grand Dharma Assembly will run from Oct 23 to 30.
The seven-day and seven-night prayer event is dedicated to peace, harmony, well-being and spirituality, he said.
“The assembly will be presided over by Buddhist Association of China vice-president Venerable Miao Jiang, who is also the abbot of Zhulin Temple at Mount Wutai in China.
“Over 80 prominent Buddhist monks from across the country will also be present, and the 50th anniversary gala dinner will take place on Oct 24,” he said when announcing the celebration at Wisma Genting, Kuala Lumpur.
Kok Thay said the temple was founded by his late father Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, who envisioned it as a place of worship and a sanctuary where people could find peace, inspiration and a deeper connection to their heritage.
“While exploring Gunung Ulu Kali, my father came across a rocky hillside that reminded him of Penglai Village in Fujian, China, where the Chin Swee deity is believed to have attained enlightenment.
“That night, my father dreamt of the deity and regarded it as a sign to pursue his vision for a mountain resort destination in Genting Highlands.
“Following the completion of the first hotel and casino, my father built a temple at the site in honour of the deity.
“It was later registered as the Chin Swee Caves Temple on Nov 4, 1976.
“Over the decades, the temple has grown alongside Resorts World Genting, evolving into an important destination for worship and cultural appreciation while welcoming devotees and visitors from Malaysia and abroad,” he said.
Kok Thay said the temple had undergone several developments over the years, including the construction of the 20-storey Goh Tong Hall, the 24,000sqft Sky Terrace Plaza and a 514m escalator and covered walkway linking the Chin Swee Cable Car Station to the temple.
“More recently, the temple completed an expansion of the Sky Terrace and built a multi-purpose hall last year, followed by the opening of the Chin Swee Caves Temple Galleria, Glazed Glass Lotus and Kim Hua Hall earlier this year,” he added.
Chin Swee Caves Temple Building Society vice-chairman Datuk Seri Tan Kong Han said the temple aimed to strengthen its position as a cultural and tourism destination and attract the younger generation.
He said the temple was a recognised tourist landmark, popular for its location, traditional architecture and panoramic views.
“Efforts are underway to make the temple more accessible and relevant to younger visitors, including through the recently launched Chin Swee Gallery that showcases the temple’s history, its connection with the ancestral temple in Anxi and its cultural significance.
“Digital initiatives, including the development of a mobile application and website, are also being explored to strengthen community engagement and outreach.
“We are also looking at introducing facilities and services that appeal to younger visitors, including plans for marriage registrations, alongside its existing vegetarian restaurant and on-site accommodation,” he said.
Tan added that the society expected a large crowd throughout the upcoming celebrations.
