Ever wonder about a temple that calmed a plague? That’s the story of Cheung Chau Pak Teng. It stands here on Cheung Chau Island Hong Kong. This temple is not just a building. It’s a testament to faith and gratitude.
Let’s step back to 1777. Cheung Chau was hit hard by a terrible plague. People were desperate. Then a man from Huizhou arrived. He carried a statue of Pak Tai. Miraculously the plague vanished. The residents believed Pak Tai had blessed them.
In gratitude the people built Yuk Hui Temple. It was completed in 1783. Another story says a fisherman found the statue. Either way Pak Tai became their patron deity. The temple is also known as Pak Tai Temple.
Pak Tai is also known as Yuen Tin Sheung Tai. He is the Supreme Emperor of the Northern Heaven. Legend says he was a prince during the Shang dynasty. The Jade Emperor appointed him to fight a Demon King. Pak Tai won even when the Demon King conjured a tortoise and snake. These animals are often shown under his feet. They represent good defeating evil.
The temple isn’t only for Pak Tai. It also houses Guanyin the Goddess of Mercy. You can also find Tai Sui the Sixty Gods of Time here. Tin Hau the sea goddess also has a place. Even the Old Man Under the Moon the God of Matchmaking is represented. Tu Di Gong a local earth god is also worshipped.
Fishermen and local residents are the main worshippers. They come to pray for blessings. They also come to show gratitude. Before setting sail fishermen ask for good catches. After returning they thank Pak Tai for his blessing.
Two festivals are especially busy. The Pak Tai Festival is on the third day of the third lunar month. The Bun Festival also known as Tai Ping Ching Chiu is on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month.
Cheung Chau Pak Teng holds cultural and historical relics. The iron sword is the most significant treasure. It was made during the Song dynasty about 800 years ago. Legend says a general threw it into the sea to calm a storm. Later a fisherman found it and gave it to the temple.
During the Japanese occupation a soldier stole the sword. He died mysteriously soon after. His friend returned it fearing the sword was the cause. In the 1970s the sword was stolen again. Villagers used “bwabway” to ask Pak Tai for help. They found it abandoned in East Kowloon.
The golden crown is another treasure. It sits atop the main Pak Tai statue. It is made of 20-ounce gold and pearls. Madam Chung donated it to commemorate Princess Margaret’s visit in 1966.
Other antiques include a wooden sedan chair from 1894. It carried the image of Pak Tai. Incense burners commemorate Mr Burgess’s visit in 1959. Two stone pillars depict dragons carved in 1903. There is also a stone cauldron from 1894 and a bronze bell from 1784.
The temple’s location has good feng shui. It sits on the dragon’s pulse stretching from Lantau Island. The sea is in front and mountains protect it from behind. This makes Yuk Hui Temple popular. The roof has green concave tiles ridges and ceramic figures. Stone lions are all around. This temple has the most stone lions in Hong Kong.
The main hall holds the Pak Tai statue. Smaller halls are on each side. A white tiger and a blue dragon represent power. An ancient drum and bell drive away evil spirits. They also attract the gods’ attention.
Four stone lions guard the main entrance. Two hold balls in their mouths. Legend says unmarried girls who remove the balls will marry a prince. The other two lions have balls under their feet. It is said the balls contain milk for humans to drink.
Two dragon pillars stand in the hall’s center. They have five claws each showing they are imperial dragons. A ball in the dragon’s mouth is known as “The Pearl of the Dragon”. It is a sign of good luck if the dragon releases it.
Square stone pillars carry a message. It says Pak Tai will look after Cheung Chau. He will bring calm seas and good weather.
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival takes place here every year. It marks the eighth day of the fourth moon. People climb bun towers to snatch buns. It draws tourists from all over.
Cheung Chau Pak Teng is more than a temple. It is a symbol of hope gratitude and community. It stands as a reminder of the island’s rich history. It shows the enduring power of faith.