Kiew Tien Keng is a striking Chinese shrine in Saphan Hin Park, set right on the seashore, which makes it one of Phuket's most picturesque places of worship.
On the last night of the Vegetarian Festival it is where the gods and deities are sent off back to heaven in a colourful ceremony, which is worth seeing if you are in Phuket at the time.
Pray At The Seashore Shrine
Kiew Tien Keng Shrine is a peaceful place to pray beside the sea. It is a beautiful, photogenic and calming shrine to explore.
Its attractions include sculptures, images of different deities, life-size statues, murals and pictures, and the materials and workmanship are impressive. There are also several other temples here, and statues of the Eight Immortals stand on the promenade looking out to sea.
A highlight of the shrine is a silver statue of Ji Gong, an unconventional Chinese monk. In legend he ate meat and drank alcohol, yet had a big heart and was a hero to the poor. His statue shows a smiling monk in beggar's clothes holding a staff.
On the last day of the Vegetarian Festival there is a colourful procession from the various shrines taking part in the ceremony, and the gods and deities are believed to depart for heaven from this shrine. Participants then return to a normal diet after nine days of devotion.