Kheng Hock Keong Chinese Temple, Yangon

Posted on May 19th, by Juan in Monuments & Sights, Religious Sites & Temples. No Comments

Kheng Hock Keong is the oldest Chinese Buddhist and Taoist temple in Yangon, situated in chinatown. It was founded in 1861 by the Hokkien community and dedicated to Mazu, the Sea goddess. Kheng Hock Keong means “Temple in celebration of prosperity/fortune” and the name was chosen in gratitude to Mazu for her blessings during their sea voyages and for their prosperity and fortune in Burma.

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Statue of the Guardian spirit at the entrance of the temple. Buddhas adorn his crown.

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This is the left altar with Guan Gong statue representing him in Bravery & Conquer mood. Guan Gong is the God of war.

Kheng Hock Keong Chinese Temple - Yangon - Myanmar (Burma)

The combination of flowers, offerings and incense smoke creates a very special ambiance.

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Kheng Hock Keong temple is full of statues, flowers and other decorations in colourful red.

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Chimney inside Kheng Hock Keong temple to burn Joss paper or Incense paper. These are also known as spirit money and it is used as a symbol of transformation. By burning the money they increase in value and serve as a payment of spiritual debts.

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Chinese woman burning incense paper. This paper is yellow coloured with a gold foil printed on it representing a gold tael or a silver foil representing a silver tael. A tael is a weight measurement of the Chinese system of weights and currency.