Posted by greenskinkid at 4:55 AM. Placed in Penang category
On one of the Chinese New Year festival nights, we decided to go out for a ride and suddenly thought of driving to Kek Lok Si Temple (极乐寺) at Air Itam, and so we did. Geographically, the temple is only a few hills away from our farm, but there is no through route from Teluk Bahang to Air Itam yet. The beautiful Kek Lok Si Temple is also known as Temple of Supreme Bliss or Temple of Sukhavati.
Kek Lok Si temple with its grand display of lights that symbolise Peace, Luck & Prosperity receives plenty of visitors during the Chinese New Year celebration, mainly devotees. The lights which can be seen from far are usually light up after 7pm and lasts till midnight on normal days during this festive month. This grand illumination of lights is no joke – about 230,000 light bulbs and 10,000 lanterns are lighted up every night!
It was quite late when we arrived, so we just visited the Guanyin statue section by taking one of its lift up. We might go again another day to see the Pagoda section.
Guan Yin or Kuan Yin or Goddess of Mercy or Avalokiteśvara or अवलोकितेश्वर.
The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra Wall or 般若波罗蜜多心经
Red Lanterns can be seen hanging across the ceilings, hallways and sidewalks of Kek Lok Si.
Although just a short visit, I will always remember this fateful, beautiful and somewhat spiritual night.
Tags: celebrations, festivals, journey, lanterns, lights, night, places of interest, spiritual, symbolism, temples
