Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)

The Goddess of Mercy Temple, or Kuan Yin Temple is the first temple ever built inGeorgetown, Penang, by Chinese settlers.The temple honours Kuan Yin, a devout Buddhist who was said to have attained the coveted state of Nirvana but had chosen, instead to remain on earth in order to provide guidance and help to those who are themselves striving to reach Nirvana. The temple interior is usually filled with the scent of sandalwood incense, burnt by devotees who visit the temple to pray and seek guidance from Kuan Yin.

The temple also honours Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers who was highly regarded by the Chinese settlers, many of whom had travelled great distances, crossing the seas from China to Penang.

Check out the temple's many beautiful features like the dragon-entwined pillars, carved from a type of green stone, which support the temple's high roof, and the statue of Kuan Yin, located in an inner chamber, which depicts a woman with 18 arms, with a countenance which exudes inner peace and worldly contentment.