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 ARGUABLY the largest Buddhist temple complex in Malaysia, the Kek Lok Si temple, which is also referred to as the “Temple of Supreme Bliss” or the “Pure Land Temple”, covers the expanse of a sloping, east-facing hillside at Air Itam, just to the west of the city of George Town.
Constructed began in 1893 and was officially opened in 1905. Nevertheless it was only in 1927 that the iconic pagoda, today one of the most recognisable landmarks of Penang, came into being. “Construction began in 1915 under the second abbot of Kek Lok Si, Ben Zhong, who was also instrumented in founding the Kuan Yin See. Its official name is the Pagoda of Rama VI, so named after the Thai monarch who laid the foundation stone. Generally, however, it is better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas or Ban Po That. This unusual pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, effectively fusing Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism symbols into one structure.” (Penang Travel Tips)
This temple complex project was realised by many wealthy benefactors of that time, including Cheong Fatt Tze, Zhang Yunan, Cheah Choon Seng, Chung Keng Kwee and Tye Kee Yoon. The other star attraction in the temple complex is the 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara -- Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin, standing on the hillside above the pagoda. First mooted in 1976 by the then Chief Abbot, the late Venerable Bai Sheng, the statue was completed in 2002. On December 6, 2009, a new 20-storey pergola housing the statue was unveiled.
Beside this pergola, is a Chinese Zodiac garden. It showcases the animals of the zodiac calender, carved out of stone. “The Sheng xiao, better known in English as the Chinese Zodiac, is a scheme that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes, according to a 12-year cycle...”
The 12 Zodiac animal signs are, in order, the rat, ox (or cow), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig (or boar). There are many legends to explain the beginning of the zodiac. One of the most popular reads, in summarised form, as follows:
The rat was given the task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for a banquet to be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat, but the rat tricked him into believing that the banquet was the next day. The cat slept through the banquet, thinking that it was the next day. When he found out, the cat vowed to be the rat's natural enemy for ages to come.” (Wikipedia)
This year, which is the year of the tiger who occupies the 3rd position on the Chinese Zodiac, “symbolises such character traits as bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor. They don’t worry about the outcome because they know they’ll always land on their feet. Don’t let their calm appearance fool you though; Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary.” (Chinese Zodiac)
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