Vipers, pythons or Temple Pit Vipers. Have you seen these snakes before in a temple?
Welcome to the Snake Temple. It is a unique and perhaps unsettling experience for some. The Snake Temple stands as one of Penang’s most unusual attractions. Originally named the Temple of the Azure Clouds it was built in 1850. It honors Chor Soo Kong also known as Master Qingshui. He was a Buddhist monk from the Song Dynasty.
Legend says Chor Soo Kong possessed healing powers and offered shelter to snakes. Two other temples in Penang honor him too. They are in Batu Maung and Balik Pulau.
After the temple’s completion snakes mysteriously appeared. Pit vipers specifically sought refuge within its walls. Instead of驅逐 them, the monks welcomed them. This act gave the temple its distinctive name.
Inside the Snake Temple snakes coil around pillars and drape over trees. Many are Wagler’s pit vipers. It is said that the incense smoke makes the snakes drowsy and docile. However, the snakes have been de-venomed as a safety precaution.
Despite their venomous nature, visitors are generally unafraid. The snakes seem friendly. For a fee, handlers allow you to pose with pythons. But, visitors are warned not to pick up the reptiles.
Devotees travel from Singapore, Taiwan, and China to celebrate Chor Soo Kong’s birthday. Celebrations occur thrice yearly. They happen on the sixth day of the first, sixth, and eleventh months of the Chinese lunar calendar.
The Snake Temple has a rich history. A monk brought a statue of Chor Soo Kong from China in 1850. The temple was built in a clearing near the Sungai Keluang river.
Rapid development has reduced the snake population. Some whisper that snakes return to a snake farm at night. They reappear in the temple every morning.
The temple prohibits burning joss sticks in the main hall. Devotees believe the smoke repels the vipers. The smoke may also irritate the snakes.
The Snake Temple features several attractions. A 600-pound bell brought from China in 1886 stands in the main hall. There is also a hall dedicated to Kuan Yin. Kuan Yin is the Goddess of Mercy. Additionally, there are dragon eye wells and a snake breeding center.
The Snake Temple is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm. Admission is free. However, the snake farm charges a small fee.
Remember to look closely but respectfully. Appreciate the unique relationship between humans and nature. The Snake Temple offers a glimpse into a world where the slithering creatures are revered. It is a place where myth and reality intertwine.