Kek Lok Si, A Truly Blissful Experience

The Temple of Supreme Bliss, is not named such by accident! Better known as Kek Lok Si

, this temple is the largest temple in South East Asia. In fact it is still incomplete as additional buildings are constantly being added to the structure.

The temple is situated on a hill known as He San, which is translated to mean Crane Hill. This overlooks the towns, Ayer Itam and George Town.

What is unique about Kek Lok Si is that it incorporates an amalgamation of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist practices. Not only this, it is also a place for traditional Chinese practices and rituals. The combination of these, not only in the temples architecture but also in its religious practices, ensures a harmony that is both unique and special.

The Emperor Guangxu, of China himself sanctioned the setting up of the temple and donated 70000 copies of the Buddhist Sutras as well as a tablet. The initial structure did not include the pagoda that the temple is now renowned for. This Pagoda, Pagoda of Rama VI, was built in 1927. Named thus for the Thai King who placed the foundation stone, the Pagoda is better known as the Ban Po That or Pagoda of 10000 Buddhas. The base of this incorporates traditional Chinese octagonal architecture whilst the middle level is of Thai origin. The summit however hails from Burmese design, which once again shows the unity of Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist practices.

The newest attraction of this temple is the bronze statue of the goddess of mercy which stands at a height of 30.2M. A 20 storey shelter for the statue was built even more recently.

As a constantly developing site and a symbolic and memorable temple premises, Kek Lok Si is a must visit location for any traveller to the region. For the traveller seeking a hotel in Penang, the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang provides an ideal spot from which to base your stay, as it is a Penang hotel that is centrally located.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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