Tow Boh Keong Temple (斗母宫) at Tokong Road (near Kampar Road) is one of the biggest Chinese temple in Ipoh. Every year in the first nine days of Lunar calender 9th month, it will have grand celebration of the birthday of Nine Emperors (九皇爷诞). This is also a big event in some other temples in Ipoh and also other major towns in Malaysia, such as Penang. Tow Boh Keong is always the most popular among the temples and therefore it is also known as the Nine Emperors Temple. During these nine days, the temple is crowded day and night. Traffic at the surrounding area is definitely congested and there are many people selling joss stick..
At the front yard, a tall post called "Sky Lamp" (天灯) with nine lamps installed is standing. As I know, this is the signal to Heaven that praying event is being carried out on earth. The lamps will be sent to ground from time to time for refilling and raised to top again. The banner is written "Blessing from Heaven" (天宫赐福).
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The front yard also houses a stage that performs traditional Cantonese opera which is rarely seen in Ipoh. It used to be quite common in many temples decades ago but nowadays we can only find it during some limited occasions. The seats are full and there are majority from the elder generation..
Another unique thing of this event is the turtle bun. Most of it are colored in red and therefore people use to call it red turtle bun (红龟包). There are several sizes, from normal size of a bun to as big as these in this photo. Its top is always written with blessing words. I like it since I was young mainly because of its cute looking. Although it is just a plain bun but it is tasty especially when taken in hot.
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Nice photos of Ipoh's Tow Boo Keong Temple, Chun Kee!
ReplyDeleteI really missed the chance of going to this temple as I am staying in KL.
Is there going to be a procession this year? Any idea?
Thank you Ipohgal!
ReplyDeleteI see many youngsters start praying nowadays. I remember for some years young people think that praying is outdated but i see a different trend now.
I think no procession this year, and it should be none for many years already. I really miss it because I still remember there were so many things to see (lion & dragon dance, brass band, big flag carrier, etc.) & the streets were full of people. It was the biggest event in town every year.
More youngsters praying nowadays? Maybe for better exam results, career luck or marriage luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat, no procession again this year? It has been quite sometime since they had one. The last one I saw was in 2003 or 2004. Perhaps the gods are awared economy not good, therefore, do not give approval for one to be held!
Yup, people are normally praying for luck. Anyway, i think there wont be procession unless special anniversary because Ipoh's traffic is not like the past, may be too inconvenient to close so many streets. And with the current government attitute, i dont think they like Chinese grand procession in the city.
ReplyDeleteHi Chun Kee,
ReplyDeleteSad to note that the 9 Emperor Gods celebration has lost an important and memorable aspect - the procession through town's major roads like the ones we used to have back in those days. As if things got diluted. I really missed watching it from my window....aah, those were the days indeed.
Yup. Anyway Ipohgal u are so lucky can watch the procession from upstairs. I was wishing I can be in one of those shops upstairs because need not squeeze inside the crowd & expose under the sun :)
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