Cheng Leong Keong Temple (清龍宮)

Cheng Leong Keong (Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple) (14 June 2007)


Cheng Leong Keong (GPS: 5.3865, 100.31119; Traditional Chinese: 清龍宮, Simplified Chinese: 清龙宫; Pinyin: Qīng Lónggōng), commonly known as the Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple, is a Taoist temple in Jelutong, Penang. It is located at one corner of Taman Jelutong.

Cheng Leong Keong venerates the Taoist physician god, Bao Sheng Dadi (TC/SC: 保生大帝), as its principal deity. As with most Chinese deities, Bao Sheng Dadi began as a human that was later deified. In this case, it was a Song Dynasty physician by the name of Wu Tao. Having attained Enlightenment, Wu Tao chose to delay his passage into nirvana, choosing to remain in the mortal world so that he could help mankind deal with the diseases that afflict them. As a result, the Chinese began to build temples and to worship Bao Sheng Dadi.

Cheng Leong Keong was built in 1886. In addition to Bao Sheng Dadi, this temple also venerates Shen Nong Dadi (TC: 神農大帝, SC: 神农大帝) and Qing Shui Zushi (TC: 清水祖師, SC: 清水祖师) and of course, the Tai Tay Yah (太岁爷, 太歲爺, Tai Sui Ye), as subsidiary deities.

Entrance to Cheng Leong Keong (14 June 2007)

Getting there

Cheng Leong Keong can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 11, 301, 302, 303 and 401. If you are coming from Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, get down at the bus stop near Jelutong Pos Office. Cross the road in the direction of the post office, then enter Lebuhraya Jelutong. Walk about 120 meters and then turn left into Taman Jelutong. You will find the Tai Tay Yah Temple at the end of the road.

Cheng Leong Keong (Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple) is on the Map of the Places of Worship in Jelutong

Cheng Leong Keong Temple is on the Map of Jelutong

Front façade, Cheng Leong Keong Temple (14 June 2007)

What to see and do

The Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple is not geared to accept tourists. Most of the visitors are devotees who already know the purpose of their visit. As a tourist, you may just wander around, taking a look at the altar, the bell, the ceremonial drum hung near the ceiling, but unless you speak Chinese, you may not be able to get any information out of the caretakers.

The shrine to Baosheng Dadi within Cheng Leong Keong Temple (14 June 2007)


Prayer hall, Cheng Leong Keong (14 June 2007)


Ceiling elements, Cheng Leong Keong (14 June 2007)


Temple bell, Cheng Leong Keong (14 June 2007)


Lanterns, Cheng Leong Keong (14 June 2007)

List of Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia