The Kuan Yin Shrine is an old Chinese temple that belongs to the 1800 and has today become a central place for pilgrimage as well as tourist visits. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy of whom there are a great many stories and anecdotes that are linked to the Buddhism as well. The temple which is the work of the first Chinese settlers belonging to the Hokkien and Cantonese groups is also the first temple built in Penang in George town. The Goddess herself is claimed to be a Buddhist devotee who has attained the spiritual end point of Nirvana but has remained behind on earth to guide others down that noble path. There are many more similar stories surrounding this goddess and almost all of them support her fame as a figure of immense compassion and sacrifice.
The temple is a curious work of architecture and is something that tourists also find intriguing. Stroll down the elevated walkway where a small footbridge that comes upon a red arch leads to the walkway of the main gate. Pillars carved with a green stone and depicting entwined dragons hold up the high roof of the temple. One also comes upon some Classical Chinese characters that are raised on both sides of the front door. The interior houses the statue of Kuan Yin, a figure of a beautiful lady with 18 arms with a very serene and peaceful expression on her countenance. The historic look of the interior is further accentuated by the red lanterns hanging from the roof as well as the murals of the Chinese warriors that are depicted on the walls. The statue of Kuan Yin is only one meter high and is projected in a way that it looks in the direction of the Chao Phraya River at which she seems to glance with a serene expression especially the boats that glide across the river. Koh Phangan hotels are a fabulous way to enjoy a visit to this region of Thailand. Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa, Thailand unfolds like a paradise incarnate from the rich deep tones and hues of its Thai inspired interior decor to the landscape of greenery and clear waters that is seen through the long windows. It is one of the most reputed Koh Phangan resorts and this can be easily understood once you enter into one of its cozy and elegantly furnished suites.
