Shrine of the Jade Emperor 天公壇

Shrine of the Jade Emperor, Relau (28 January 2017)


Shrine of the Jade Emperor (GPS: 5.34585, 100.27241), (Traditional Chinese: 天公壇; Simplified Chinese; 天公坛; Pinyin: Tiāngōng Tán; Penang Hokkien: Tnee3 Kong3 Tnua2) is a hill-side temple in Relau, Penang. It is located on the slope of the ravine that slides down towards Sungai Relau, across from Relau Villa. Both the villa and the temple were built for early 20th century tycoon Chung Thye Phin, who was the last Kapitan China of Perak and son to leader of the Hai San Secret Society, Kapitan China Chung Keng Kwee. In the latest findings (January 2015), I learned that this temple was not originally a temple at all (read updates 21 January, 2015)

The Shrine of the Jade Emperor is believed to have been built in the early 1930s as the private shrine of Relau Villa, at about the same time that the mansion was built. After the death of Chung Thye Phin, the villa and temple both fell into disrepair. For decades existence of the villa remained a mysterious legend in Penang. The temple likewise became a forlorn site feared by many. Both are regarded as "unclean" and a dwelling place of evil spirits.

According to a newspaper report in The Star dated 10 July, 2010 quoting Chinese medium Master Ong Q Leng, the Shrine was built to house the household deity of Relau Villa. However after the idol of the Jade Emperor was broken, the deity removed its presence. Master Ong Q Leng personally undertook the cleaning up and cleanse the Shrine.

Installed in the prayer hall of the Shrine of the Jade Emperor is the altar to the Jade Emperor (Traditional/Simplified Chinese: 玉皇大帝) flanked by that of Ma Chor Poh (aka Mazu, the Taoist goddess of the sea, Traditional Chinese: 媽祖, Simplified Chinese: 妈祖) on the left and Hai Leong Ong (the Taoist sea dragon king deity, Traditional Chinese: 海龍王, Simplified Chinese: 海龙王) on the right. There is also a side shrine for the Tua Pek Kong (the Taoist god of prosperity).

Shrine of the Jade Emperor, Relau (23 March 2013)


Shrine of the Jade Emperor, as seen from the compound of Relau Villa (23 March 2013)


Entrance to the Shrine of the Jade Emperor (23 March 2013)


Altars within the Shrine of the Jade Emperor (23 March 2013)


Side shrine to the Tua Pek Kong (Taoist god of prosperity) (23 March 2013)

Updates

21 January, 2015
According to Jeffery Seow, a grandson of the Kapitan, the structure was known as the Opium House, even though no one smoked opium there. It was given that name because it was modeled after the fancy opium houses in China. It was here that the Kapitan brought his business associates to discuss business matters. No one was allowed to go there, and the place was taken care by a manservant who deliver refreshments and clean up. Members of the family only get to see it from the outside, and never from the inside. According to Jeffery, the building was probably erected in the 1920s.

Getting there

The Shrine of the Jade Emperor is located just above the bank of Sungai Relau. You can approach it from the direction of the Metropolitan Park. As you ascend the slope towards the park, turn right to the parking lot in front of the Relau Villa. Walk around the villa to the rear side and climb down the steps to the river. Cross the bridge and ascend the steps to the Shrine.

Alternatively, you can park your car beside Jalan Paya Terubong, near the junction of Tingkat Bukit Jambul. From there, take the steps down to the Shrine. The top of the steps is flanked by statues of the Budai (Chinese name: 布袋, alternative name: 笑佛, the rotund Maitreya of Mahayana Buddhism, also known in English as the Laughing Buddha)

Steps to the Shrine of the Jade Emperor, from Jalan Paya Terubong (23 March 2013)

Location of the Shrine of the Jade Emperor on the map

List of Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia