Guanyin
The Goddess of Mercy
Guanyin, also known as Kuan Yin, is the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.
Guanyin in Thailand
In Thailand she is revered by Buddhists as the Bodhisattva of Compassion, known as Phra Mae Kuan Im. Across the country are temples with statues of Guanyin as well as shrines dedicated to the deity.
- Wat Huay Pla Kang
- Wat Plai Laem
- Wat Saman Rattanaram
- Kian Un Keng Shrine
- Kuan Yim Shrine (Thian Fa Foundation)
Wat Huay Pla Kang
On a hill just North of Chiang Rai town is Wat Huay Pla Kang. A flight of stairs lined with dragons leads to the top of a mound. Seated on a pedestal of lotus flowers is a huge white statue wearing a crown. Although the 90 meter tall image is often called Big Buddha of Chiang Rai, the image depicts Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Around the statue are a nine tiered pagoda and an assembly hall.
Wat Plai Laem
Near Koh Samui airport is a colorful temple named Wat Plai Laem. Its main draws are two giant statues. Seated on a pedestal of lotus flowers is an eighteen meter tall statue of a fat and smiling Chinese Buddha. Another large statue with eighteen arms depicts Guanyin wearing a crown.
Wat Saman Rattanaram
Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao just East of Bangkok is an attractive, colorful temple dedicated to several religions. Situated on the banks of the Bang Pakong river stand huge statues of Guanyin and the Hindu deities Ganesha, Brahma and Indra.
Guanyin shrines in Bangkok
Across Bangkok are several shrines for Guanyin. Among them are the Kuan Yim shrine of the Thian Fa Foundation on Yaowarat Road and the Kian Un Keng shrine in the historic Kudi Chin area.
Kian Un Keng Shrine
In the historic Kudi Chin area on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river stands the Kian Un Keng Shrine. Founded by Hokkien Chinese in the 18th century, the shrine is one of the oldest in Bangkok. Enshrined is a small wooden image of Guanyin, coated with a layer of gold.
Kuan Yim Shrine (Thian Fa Foundation)
On Yaowarat Road in Chinatown is the Kuan Yim Shrine. Its walls are adorned with colorful murals. Inside is a small teak wood image of Guanyin, carved in the Tang dynasty style in the 12th century. The gold painted image makes the gesture of charity and making offerings.
Guanyin
Guanyin, also spelled Kuan Yin, is usually depicted as a beautiful, young woman wearing a white robe.
The Goddess of Mercy
In China she is known as Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. In Thailand she is known as Phra Mae Kuan Im, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, revered by Chinese and Mahayana Buddhists. In Chinese language Guanyin translates to “The Bodhisattva who listens to the world”.
Bodhisattva
A Bodhisattva is someone who has reached enlightenment and is on the way to becoming a Buddha and reach Nirvana, ending the cycle of birth, existence and death. Out of compassion, a Bodhisattva postpones reaching Nirvana to help all those who suffer.
A thousand arms
In ancient scripts Guanyin is described as having a thousand arms. This enables her to help many who are in need of help at the same time. She can assume any form necessary to relieve sentient beings of suffering. Guanyin is sometimes depicted holding a baby, as she is believed to be able to grant children.
Also read:
Temples & shrines dedicated to Guanyin
