Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth (北海斗母宫) began as an attap shed on a rented plot of land in 1970. In 1974, a piece of land was purchased to build a small temple. It was completed on the same year and was officially used as a place of worship. Due to future development plans, a second plot of land was purchased in 1986.

In 1994, the temple committee decided to rebuild a new Tow Boo KongTemple. On 26 April 2000, the temple with a total land area 40,000 square feet, was officially completed at a cost of RM7 million.
And in year 2008, an entrance arch which cost about RM1.5 million was completed

The Temple 

Front Prayer Hall
There are also two idols of the door generals (Mui Sin). This spectacular door piece with intricate carving is crafted from a single tree trunk and they have gold leaves pasted on it.
Dou Mu, the mother in the Taoist Pantheon, sat in the centre of the hall altar while the Nine Emperor Gods is seated below the goddess on the same altar.  

Sacred Prayer Hall
The most respectful place in the temple. This sanctuary houses the Urn of the Nine Emperor Gods
and only certain members of the temple, who is
specially selected by the God, are allowed to enter.
During the Nine Emperor God’s  festival, this Urn is taken to the sea to welcome the Gods back to the temple. 

Inner Courtyard
The inner courtyard, with a dragon spewing water from its mouth, stood majestically in this part of the temple. This stone curve is huge, stunning and has 9 magnificent dragons craved on it.
There is also a large painting of a 100 children on the wall opposite the fountain. It is believed that the painting signifies the continuity of generation.

Dou Mu Prayer Hall
Dou Mu Niang Niang or Tow Boo Neo Neo sits in the deepest and most revered place of the temple. Two other deities are also placed in this prayer  hall; the are Deity Lam Sin and Deity Pak Tao.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival 

The worship of Nine Emperor Gods (Known as Kew Ong Yah 九皇大帝in Hokkie, and Koh Wong Yeh in Cantonese) is very prevalent in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
Every year, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is held for nine days, from the first day to the ninth day of the 9th lunar month. This is when the spirits of the Nine Emperor Gods which are believed to dwell in the starts, descend to earth and possess the spirits mediums, putting them in a trance. During the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, many devotees will go on a vegetarian diet. Stalls are set up to sell vegetarian food, vegetarian cake and goodies. An opera show will also be performed as a mark of respect to the Gods.
During the 9 days, you will be able to witness a variety of events like the Spear Skewing Ceremony, the Making of the Herbal Medicine and the Fire walking Ceremony. These rituals are spectacular, extraordinary but yet challenging.

Source: http://www.towbookong.org.my

RUMAH BERHALA TOW BOO KONG BUTTERWORTH
TOW BOO KONG TEMPLE BUTTERWORTH
On Lot 894 & 896, Mukim 14, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +604-331 8717   E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Opening Hours
Daily, including Sundays and Public Holidays: 7 am to 9 pm (24 hours during Nine Emperor Gods Festival)