Visiting Hong Kong temples

Now that I pass through Hong Kong often, I take the time to explore this fascinating city every chance I get. It never gets old for me. On a recent visit, I decided to venture to some of the fabulous temples. This post includes images from two very different temples, but sharing in common colorful displays and many devotees: Man Mo Temple on Hong Kong Island, dedicated to the civil literary god (Man) and the god of war (Mo); and Wong Tai Sin Temple near Kowloon, with deities from Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism sharing space on the grounds. The scenes at both temples are impressive, Man Mo quiet and brooding; Wong Tai Sin dazzling and noisy.

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MAN MO TEMPLE

One of the most striking things about this temple is the large number of huge incense coils hanging from the ceiling.

The altar has figures of Man, the god of literature, and
Mo, the god of war. A stream of worshippers keep a continuous blaze of candles going.

Detail of one of the side altars.

One of the prayer rooms.

WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

It is considered good luck to touch this dragon as one enters the temple grounds.

The nose shows evidence of being rubbed by thousands of people. 

Entrance to the main temple.

Larger than life-size bronze statues of Chinese zodiac figures line the pathway to the temple. This is the ox, the sign of my birth year. 

Bright paper lanterns adorn the temple.

Wong Tai Sin temple is known for its fortune telling. Here, people shake wooden boxes with numbered sticks. Whichever number falls out corresponds to a fortune that can be retrieved at a special box.

A blue haze from incense stick smoke shrouds the temple grounds. 

This is one of the most colorful temples I have ever seen. Beautiful. 

Worshippers concentrate as they wait for their special number...and check their email.

Main temple grounds

Dragons are ubiquitous everywhere in Hong Kong: a traditional Chinese motif. This sculpture is part of a long piece next to the steps leading to the temple.

A memorial room in one of the outer buildings at the temple complex. Here are personal memorials of the deceased, given by relatives.