The
Nine Emperor Gods Temple is one of the largest temples in Butterworth.
Dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods of Taoist mores, it has gone through several
makeovers over the years. It started out as a small attap shed on a rented plot
of land in 1971 and was completed in 2000, at a cost of RM7 million.
The
Nine Emperor Gods, believed to dwell in the stars, are the sons of Father
Emperor Zhou Yu Dou Fu Yuan Jun and Mother of the Big Dipper Dou Mu Yuan Jun
(Queen of Heaven). Their popularity has declined since being exported out of
the southern provinces of China but in Penang there is a small group who still
pay homage to these Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Also
known as Rumah Berhala Tow Boo Kong, the elaborate temple is never busier than
during the annual Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Taking place on the ninth day of
the ninth lunar month, this is when the spirits of the Nine Emperor Gods
descend from the stars to earth and possess mediums, putting them in a trance.
The
nine-day celebration (somewhat similar to Thaipusam) sees devotees dressed in
traditional white, carrying incense and candles, awaiting the ‘arrival’ of the
nine Gods. Some worshippers in a religious fervour practice flagellation and
self-mutilation, displaying their dedication by fire walking, skewing their
cheeks with sharp objects (including nine-metre spears). The celebration
reaches its climax on the ninth day with a procession to send the deities back
home, from the Nine Emperor Gods Temple to the beachfront.
An
ornate structure north of the Jalan Raja Uda and the Butterworth-Kulim
Expressway, Nine Emperor Gods Temple has curving pagodas and a dramatic roof
with golden dragon statues. Since many devotees are vegetarians for the
duration of the festival, within the temple, stalls will set up to sell
vegetarian food. Sitting on reclaimed land facing the sea, it is easily
accessible via the Jelutong Expressway: from here you drive to the Harbour
Trade Centre and then turn right. The Nine Emperor Gods Temple is at the end of
the road on your left.
Opening
Hours: Daily, including Sundays and Public Holidays: 7 am to 9 pm
Address:
On Lot 894 & 896, Mukim 14, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang,
Malaysia
Tel:
+604-331 8717
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