Nine Emperor Gods Festival

One of Malaysia’s Oldest and Most Revered Temples

The Sacred Beacon: Raising and Lowering of the Gao Deng at Anshun Dou Mu Gong

One of the most spiritually powerful and visually captivating rituals during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is the raising and lowering of the Gao Deng, or high lantern. This towering lantern is not merely a decorative element; it is a sacred spiritual beacon, symbolizing the celestial descent of the Nine Emperor Gods from the heavens to the mortal realm. The ritual begins on the eve of the festival’s commencement, where devotees gather with solemn reverence for the raising of the Gao Deng, which traditionally marked the opening of the celestial gateway. In Taoist belief, this act sends a cosmic signal, an invitation to the Nine Emperors to descend from the stars and bless the temple and its followers for nine sacred days. For generations, the Gao Deng was constructed from a single long, sturdy bamboo pole, chosen carefully for its strength, length, and spiritual symbolism. Bamboo, with its straight form and hollow body, was considered ideal for connecting heaven and earth, serving as a natural conduit for celestial energy.

However, in recent years, sourcing such long, hard bamboo poles which often needed to exceed 40 feet in height has become increasingly difficult due to changes in the environment, availability, and forestry practices. As a result, Anshun Dou Mu Gong has thoughtfully adapted by commissioning a custom-designed, towering steel structure to serve as the new Gao Deng pole. This decision was not made lightly, as the temple holds deep respect for ritual authenticity. However, the custom steel structure was crafted with spiritual intent, ensuring it fulfills the same ritualistic, symbolic, and practical purposes as the bamboo of the past. Engineered for stability, longevity, and visibility, this modern Gao Deng pole remains a sacred vessel, maintaining its original function as a pillar of light to guide the divine descent of the Nine Emperors. The lantern itself usually adorned with celestial motifs, the names of the Nine Emperors, or Taoist incantations is securely affixed to the top and illuminated throughout the nine days of the festival, casting a protective and auspicious glow over the temple grounds.

The act of raising the Gao Deng continues to be performed with great ceremony. Incense is lit, chants are recited, and the temple’s senior devotees and ritual specialists guide the process, sometimes with the accompaniment of drums, gongs, and suona horns, as the lantern is slowly hoisted toward the sky. As it ascends, it represents more than just the beginning of the festival. It is a spiritual axis, a vertical link that connects heaven (天), earth (地), and humanity (人). For the entire duration of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the lit lantern atop the Gao Deng serves as a cosmic lighthouse, visible even from afar, reminding the community of the gods’ presence and the need for inner purification, discipline, and reverence. The lantern must remain alight throughout the entire festival—temple volunteers keep watch and ensure the flame burns continuously, as extinguishment is considered an inauspicious sign.

When the festival comes to a close on the ninth day, after days of vegetarian fasting, ritual processions, spiritual consultations, and nightly ceremonies, the temple community gathers once more for the lowering of the Gao Deng. This event, though quieter than its raising, is deeply symbolic. As the lantern is gently brought back to earth, it marks the departure of the Nine Emperor Gods, who return to their celestial domain after having blessed and purified the earthly realm. Devotees offer final prayers of gratitude, and the air is filled with mixed emotions of fulfillment, reverence, and a sense of spiritual completion. The lowering of the Gao Deng signifies the closing of the heavenly portal, and reminds the faithful that while the gods have returned to the stars, their blessings endure in the hearts and homes of those who walked the sacred path during the festival.

Despite the evolution in materials from traditional bamboo to modern steel, Anshun Dou Mu Gong remains unwavering in its commitment to spiritual integrity. The transition is a reflection of the temple’s ability to preserve sacred tradition while adapting respectfully to changing times, ensuring that form continues to serve function, and that the essence of the ritual remains undisturbed. The Gao Deng, whether bamboo or steel, continues to stand as a majestic and sacred symbol, a towering testament to the enduring faith, unity, and celestial devotion of the community.

The Divine Encampment: Summoning the Five Marshal Armies for Celestial Protection

One of the most powerful and spiritually fortified rituals during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is the invocation of the Five Heavenly General Marshals and the mobilization of their divine troops a sacred military formation believed to defend the temple, secure the ritual grounds, and uphold celestial law throughout the nine-day festival. This ritual is more than symbolic. It is a formal celestial deployment of Taoism’s divine military forces, each led by a revered marshal who commands legions of spirit soldiers drawn from the heavenly realm. At Anshun Dou Mu Gong, the five marshals invoked are: Lei Yuan Shuai, Zhao Yuan Shuai, Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai, Kang Yuan Shuai, and Er Lang Yuan Shuai. Each is a formidable deity of martial authority, whose command over vast celestial armies reflects their sacred responsibility to guard against spiritual intrusion, demonic interference, and karmic imbalance.

The invocation of these marshals and their armies is performed in a formal ceremony activating the troops and dispatching the generals.” Led by a trance, the temple recites powerful incantations, raises divine command flags as representations of the summoned troops. Directional altars are set up for each marshal around the temple compound, forming a sacred five-point formation symbolizing a heavenly military encampment. The area within this encampment becomes ritually sealed and protected, establishing a cosmic battlefield where the divine army holds back spiritual chaos, allowing the Nine Emperor Gods to descend in peace and purity.

Throughout the festival, the Five Marshals and their troops remain on spiritual alert, “patrolling” the ritual space during important ceremonies particularly during spirit medium trances, night prayers, celestial offerings and deity processions. Their presence is often visibly felt through the medium’s trance movements, or symbolically represented through ceremonial weapons, fire rituals, and military-style flag formations. Devotees offer continual incense and offerings at the Five Marshal altars, seeking protection, courage, and strength. It is also believed that during high spiritual activity, some devotees may become faint or spiritually unsettled not because of danger, but because they are sensitive to the intense presence of the marshal armies, whose celestial energy overwhelms lower vibrations.

At the conclusion of the Nine Emperor Festival, the temple holds a “Sending Off the Troops” ritual to formally discharge the heavenly marshals and their legions back to the celestial realm. Incense, paper horses, flags, and joss paper are ceremonially burned in gratitude, and closing incantations are chanted to dissolve the spiritual encampment. The release of the troops is done with great reverence, emphasizing the principle of cosmic balance: what has been summoned must be respectfully dismissed, and all energies must return to their proper place. This sacred martial ritual deeply embedded and remains a vital element of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong, reflecting the temple’s deep commitment to ritual purity, divine alignment, and spiritual protection. Through the invocation of the Five Marshals and their armies, the temple becomes a living fortress of light, shielding all who enter in body, mind, and spirit, and honoring the celestial mandate of order over chaos.

The Divine Encampment: Summoning the Five Marshal Armies for Celestial Protection

A Feast for Heaven: The Ritual of Vegetarian Offerings and the Kitchen God's Blessing

Among the most sacred responsibilities during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is the preparation of vegetarian offerings, a spiritually significant and ritualized act of devotion that takes place on the 30th of the 8th lunar month, and again on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th of the 9th lunar month. These offerings are not mere meals, but are regarded as a form of royal tribute, prepared for the Nine Emperor Gods and fellow celestial beings, symbolizing the temple’s sincerity, hospitality, and commitment to celestial harmony. Each dish must be prepared with great care, using specific vegetables that hold auspicious meanings, and cooked according to time-honored traditions passed down through generations of temple custodians.

Before any ingredient is even touched or any fire is lit, the entire process begins with a prayer to the Kitchen God, the divine overseer of all culinary matters in religion belief. It is a core practice at Anshun Dou Mu Gong that, before cooking these sacred offerings, devotees must light incense and offer a short prayer to the Kitchen God, asking for guidance, protection, and clarity of mind during the preparation. The Kitchen God is believed to reside over the hearth and observe all acts related to food preparation. As the spiritual guardian of the kitchen
and a celestial reporter to heaven, he plays a vital intermediary role, especially when meals are being prepared for divine consumption. By honoring him before the work begins, the cook acknowledges the sanctity of their task and invites the Kitchen God to bless the space, the tools, and their hands.

It is believed that when the Kitchen God is properly invoked, he will ensure a smooth and successful preparation, guarding against accidents, mistakes, or spiritual contamination. The food prepared under his watch will be both physically clean and ritually pure, thus suitable to be offered to His Royal Highness the Nine Emperor and the accompanying deities. Once the preparation is complete, a second prayer of gratitude is made to the Kitchen God, thanking him for his supervision and inviting him to witness the offering ceremony that follows. This dual invocation before and after cooking is essential, and is a reflection of religion values, gratitude, respect for invisible forces, and the sacredness of everyday acts when done with intention and devotion.

The cooking itself involves only select vegetables and ingredients, chosen for their symbolic meanings and spiritual energy. Ingredients such as lotus root (purity and connection), Chinese cabbage (prosperity), long beans (longevity), tofu (purity and sustenance), radish (clarity), and mushrooms (growth and transformation) are commonly included. All must be cut into specific sizes and patterns, as handed down by the temple’s elders shapes and proportions that hold cosmic significance. Pungent vegetables like onion, garlic, and leeks are strictly avoided, as they are believed to carry “hot” and impure energy. The cooking methods themselves are restrained and pure steaming, blanching, or lightly stir-frying using clean oil without heavy seasoning or artificial flavorings, keeping the spiritual integrity of the food intact. This entire process is typically completed during the daytime, well before the night rituals begin, as a sign of respect and readiness. The completed dishes are then neatly arranged on ceremonial trays, accompanied by fruits, rice cakes, longevity buns, tea, incense, and golden paper offerings. When presented at the altar, the vegetarian meal becomes a spiritual feast not just an offering of food, but a deeply meaningful act of devotional service to the heavens.

In this way, the preparation of vegetarian offerings at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is not just a ritual duty but a living spiritual heritage. It honors the connection between heaven, earth, and humanity, and expresses the belief that sincerity flows through every step from the lighting of incense to the slicing of vegetables, from invoking the Kitchen God to setting down the final plate before the altar. Through these acts, the temple ensures that the Nine Emperor Gods and the celestial court are received with the highest form of respect, purity, and cosmic alignment, continuing an unbroken lineage of reverence passed down through generations.

Opening the Celestial Gate: The Welcoming Rituals of the Nine Emperor Gods

The welcoming ritual of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong in Malaysia is a spiritually significant and carefully orchestrated ceremony that reflects centuries of tradition and devotion. This ritual does not occur just once but is performed in three major phases, on the eve of the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 8th days of the 9th lunar month. Each of these dates marks the arrival of different aspects or manifestations of the Nine Emperor Gods, and every welcoming is conducted with distinct directional alignment to honor cosmic harmony. The first welcoming ritual is performed at the riverside facing East, the second toward the South, the third toward the North and the fourth facing Northwest. These orientations are deeply symbolic and intended to guide the deities from the celestial realm into the earthly world.

Devotees prepare themselves through ritual purification, which includes observing a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days prior, wearing white clothing as a sign of mourning
and spiritual cleansing, and participating in communal prayers. The temple itself is transformed with yellow banners, lanterns, and lotus motifs symbols of purity, enlightenment, and divine presence. One of the central features of the welcoming ritual is the tossing of the wooden divination blocks, an ancient Chinese method of communicating with the divine. These crescent-shaped blocks are cast before the ritual procession begins to confirm whether the Nine Emperor Gods have arrived and are willing to be received. A favorable response, one flat side and one rounded side landing upward is interpreted as divine affirmation to proceed.

Central to the execution of the ritual is the annual selected Lor Zhu, a spiritual leader chosen for his purity, dedication, and capacity to uphold the temple’s sacred responsibilities. The Lor Zhu plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and respectful conduction of the ritual. During the welcoming procession, he leads the devotees to the river or sea and is tasked with carrying the sacred urn believed to house the spirit of the arriving deity. This urn is treated with the utmost reverence, and once the deity is believed to have descended into it often indicated by visible signs such as flickering flames or smoke rising vigorously from the incense it is brought back to Anshun Dou Mu Gong in a solemn yet celebratory procession. The return journey is accompanied by traditional music, the clashing of cymbals, firecrackers, and the rhythmic chanting of devotees, all of which serve both to honor the gods and to spiritually cleanse the path.

Upon arrival at the temple, the sacred urn is enthroned within the inner sanctum often referred to as the “palace” of the gods where it remains for the duration of the nine-day festival. Access to this inner chamber is typically restricted to temple caretakers and those who have maintained ritual purity. Throughout this period, the temple is alive with ceremonies, offerings, prayers, and communal activities that strengthen spiritual connections and promote prosperity, health, and peace. The welcoming rituals at Anshun Dou Mu Gong are not only acts of devotion but also vibrant expressions of cultural heritage and communal identity, blending cosmic order, ritual discipline, and heartfelt fait

From Earth to Heaven: The Ritual Farewell of the Nine Emperor Gods

The Sending-Off Ritual on the ninth and final night of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival stands as the most solemn and spiritually charged ceremony within the entire sacred observance at Anshun Dou Mu Gong. Held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, this deeply revered event marks the departure of the Nine Celestial Emperors deities believed to descend from the stars back to their heavenly domain after nine days of divine presence, prayer, ritual purification, and communal devotion. Unique in its symbolism and spiritual gravitas, this ritual is both a final farewell and a cosmic closure, meticulously preserving centuries-old traditions while reflecting the temple’s distinctive spiritual identity.

As dusk descends, the temple grounds become a sanctified space vibrating with quiet anticipation and sacred energy. The scent of thick incense coils into the night air, mingling with the soft flickering of lanterns held by devotees clad in ceremonial white and yellow robes, colors symbolizing purity, mourning, and spiritual renewal. Chanting begins to echo softly through the courtyards, invoking divine attention and reverence. Inside the inner sanctum, the sacred urn, which has housed the ethereal essence of the Nine Emperors since their celestial descent at the festival’s start, is ritually prepared for its final journey. This urn is not merely an object, it is the symbolic vessel of divine presence, purified and honored with utmost reverence.

At the heart of the ritual are the Lor Zhu, the high spiritual leader of the temple alongside the Assistant Lor Zhu and the dedicated temple caretakers. Their final round of solemn chants, ritual gestures, and offerings marks the culmination of nine days of spiritual stewardship. Every act is deliberate, every chant steeped in sacred purpose.

A profound highlight of the ceremony is the unveiling of a life-sized paper effigy of a celestial general astride a paper-crafted horse, both flanked by a smaller effigy representing his assistant. These intricate creations are more than visual spectacles; they are ritually empowered representations of heavenly escorts, charged throughout the festival with spiritual energy to fulfill their role in guiding the Nine Emperor Gods back to the stars. Crafted with stunning detail, the general’s armor, banners, and expression reflect the cosmic authority he holds as a divine marshal. The horse, majestic and poised, symbolizes unwavering passage through both physical and metaphysical realms.

Once the preparations are complete, the temple grounds erupt into a procession of color, sound, and sacred rhythm. The beating of 24 festival drums creates a resonant, almost trance-like atmosphere, joined by the clash of cymbals and the animated performances of lion and dragon dancers. Rows of devotees follow in solemn order, carrying lanterns, lotus candles, and spirit flags. The general and horse effigies, escorted by temple guardians, are paraded through the streets like celestial royalty, their presence transforming the mundane into the sacred.

The procession winds its way to the ritually designated riverbank, a sacred space chosen for its spiritual alignment with the celestial gate, the portal through which the Nine Emperor Gods are believed to travel between realms. A farewell altar has been setup facing this direction, acting as the final terrestrial threshold before the divine ascent. These effigies are accompanied by arrangements of joss paper, offerings, and celestial banners, each carrying symbolic significance wealth, protection, divine escort, and guidance.
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At the riverbank, the climax of the ritual begins. Surrounded by a hushed crowd, the Lor Zhu and temple chanting personnel offer final invocations, bowing three times in reverence before the altar. The atmosphere is charged with awe and emotion as the Lor Zhu lifts his incense in prayer, entreating the Nine Emperor Gods to return peacefully to their realm and to continue their watchful blessings over the temple and its devotees. Then comes a profoundly symbolic moment, the paper general, his horse, and assistant are placed onto a sacred fire altar and set alight. Flames leap into the night sky as the paper forms begin to burn, fire becoming the bridge between the physical and the celestial. The thick incense smoke and glowing joss paper fragments are believed to carry the spirits of the escorts skyward, ensuring the Nine Emperors’ safe passage.

In the final and most emotional act of the ceremony, the sacred urn, the temporary terrestrial vessel of the Nine Emperors is carried by the Lor Zhu and temple caretakers onto a designated boat. Silence falls as the boat glides into the river’s current, guided by lantern light and ancestral chants. As it reaches the center of the river, the Lor Zhu performs a final invocation, then gently releases the urn into the water. This act is a powerful spiritual gesture: the river, seen as a celestial conduit, carries the sacred urn toward the heavens, completing the divine journey.

The release is marked by thunderous firecrackers, drum rolls, and chants of farewell from the gathered crowd. Some bow in silence, others weep softly or recite invocations a collective emotional release, both celebratory and sorrowful. After the boat returns to shore, the temple caretakers perform a final series of offerings and burn the remaining joss paper and ceremonial items, signifying gratitude and the completion of the ritual cycle. As the last of the sacred flames fade into the night, so too does the visible presence of the Nine Emperor Gods, now believed to have fully ascended. The tools, urns, and sacred materials used throughout the festival are then ritually purified or respectfully retired, and the temple gradually returns to a quieter, more earthly state. Yet, in the hearts of devotees, the blessings, guidance, and spiritual cleansing bestowed during the festival remain.

This sending-off ritual at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is more than a religious rite. It is a spiritual drama of cosmic proportions, blending rich local Chinese culture and traditions symbolism, ancestral reverence, and deep community participation. It underscores the harmonious triad of the human world, the natural world (embodied by the river), and the celestial realm. As the urn drifts beyond sight and the fire dies down, the temple community knows that the Nine Emperors have been respectfully and powerfully returned to their place among the stars until they are once again welcomed the following year, to cleanse, protect, and bless the earthly realm.

Where Voices Meet Heaven: The Chanting Tradition of the Nine Days

At the heart of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong, one of the most enduring and spiritually resonant traditions is the daily chanting session, held faithfully twice a day throughout the entire nine-day festival period. This sacred practice performed once at 5:30 a.m. in the early morning and again at 5:30 p.m. in the evening serves as a devotional offering of sound and prayer to the Nine Emperor Gods (九皇大帝) and to Dou Mu Yuan Jun (斗母元君), the cosmic mother and supreme matriarch of the Big Dipper constellation. Each session lasts approximately one hour or slightly more, enveloping the temple in a powerful atmosphere of spiritual reverence, ritual discipline, and harmonic resonance.

The chanting itself follows a precise liturgical structure, often drawing upon scriptures texts dedicated to the celestial stars and deities. Accompanied by the steady rhythm of traditional instruments includes wooden fish, drums, singing bowl, and Qing bell whereby the chanting becomes a spiritually immersive experience. These instruments not only guide the tempo but are believed to resonate across the spiritual realms, summoning the presence of deities and aligning the energies of the participants.

A special and deeply held belief passed down through generations at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is that anyone and everyone who sincerely recites the scriptures of the Nine Emperor Gods with a pure heart can remove or lighten their karmic burdens, overcome personal and spiritual obstacles, and begin to dissolve past wrongdoings. The scriptures are not merely vocal rituals, they are treated as celestial codes that, when recited with sincerity and humility, act as a spiritual key to unlocking transformation and renewal. Many devotees, through personal experience and stories handed down by elders, have shared that regular participation in these sessions brings about emotional release, improved fortune, clarity of mind, and even physical healing. It is believed that during the Nine Emperor Festival, when the gates between the
celestial and earthly realms are open, the efficacy of chanting is especially magnified, allowing for deep spiritual purification.

Importantly, these chanting sessions are inclusive and open to all. Devotees of all backgrounds, whether seasoned practitioners or first-time visitors, are welcome to join. Participants may kneel, bow, hold incense, or simply sit with respectful stillness, attuning themselves to the sacred rhythm. Even if one cannot follow every word of the scripture, the vibrational energy of the group’s collective sincerity carries spiritual merit. The act of showing up with a heart full of reverence is, in itself, an offering to the divine.

In addition to the regular morning and evening sessions, extra chanting ceremonies are conducted following major deity invitation rituals, especially after the welcoming of Dou Mu
Yuan Jun and the Nine Emperor Gods. These additional sessions reinforce the divine presence and set the spiritual tone for the rituals that follow. The entire temple compound during this time resonates with the continuous vibration of devotion, becoming a sanctified space where human intention and celestial order harmonize. Through this daily rhythm of chanting, Anshun Dou Mu Gong sustains a spiritual lineage that spans over a century. The consistency of this practice preserved from the time of the temple’s founders to the current generation of devotees underscores the deep commitment to faith, purity, and spiritual cultivation. For many, these nine days become a personal pilgrimage a sacred journey inward, supported by the power of scripture, the strength of collective prayer, and the blessings of the Nine Emperor Gods.

The River Ritual: Appeasing the Water God During the Nine Emperor Festival

The Praying to Zui Hu (Water God) ritual is a deeply symbolic and spiritually vital practice conducted after the Koh Kun ritual during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong. These ritual honors the powerful Water Deity, known affectionately in Hokkien as “Zui Hu,” who governs over rivers, tides, and all aquatic forces. In Taoist belief, water is both a source of life and a channel for unseen spiritual energies. It is closely linked to the Nine Emperor Gods, who are said to arrive and depart through waterways. Therefore, paying homage to the Water God is not only an expression of reverence but also an act of seeking protection from spiritual disturbances, illness, misfortune, and natural calamities, especially for those who have just undergone intense purification through the Koh Kun ritual.

The Zui Hu ritual takes place on the 3rd, 6th and 9th of the ninth lunar month, under the cloak of night or late evening when yin energy is at its strongest. The ritual is held near a natural water source typically a riverbank, canal, or stream close to the temple facing a spiritually auspicious direction. Prayers are recited, thanking Zui Hu for ensuring the safe passage of devotees during the festival and seeking continued protection for the final days, especially the grand send-off of the Nine Emperor Gods. As part of the ritual, paper boats or lotus lanterns are floated down the river, symbolizing offerings of peace, spiritual cleansing, and safe spiritual passage. In some instances, a spirit medium may enter a trance state, embodying the Water God or delivering divine messages, further enhancing the sacredness of the ritual.

The Zui Hu ritual holds deep meaning for devotees. It represents the need to balance human and natural forces, honor the sacred role of water in Taoist cosmology, and seek harmony with the unseen world. For those who have undergone physical or spiritual strain during the festival’s earlier rituals, praying to the Water God serves as a moment of restoration and grounding. It also reflects the humility of the devotees, acknowledging that while the gods of the heavens protect them, so too must they respect the forces of the earth and water.

The Praying to Zui Hu ritual at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is not only a gesture of gratitude but also a powerful expression of faith in the spiritual guardianship of both celestial and earthly realms, ensuring that the Nine Emperor Gods Festival continues in safety, peace, and divine favor.

Crossing the Han: A Journey of Purification, Protection, and Ancestral Tradition at Anshun Dou Mu Gong

Among the many sacred rituals performed during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong, the act of Crossing the Han Bridge (Guo Han Qiao) stands out as one of the most meaningful and spiritually profound rites. Deeply rooted in ancestral tradition and practiced with strict reverence, this ritual serves as a symbolic journey of purification, a passage through which devotees seek peace, health, spiritual protection, and the cleansing of misfortune.

What sets this ritual apart at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is its unique historical lineage. According to oral traditions passed down by the temple elders, the name “Han Bridge” links back to practices believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty. In those times, bridge-crossing ceremonies were held to ward off epidemics, cleanse karmic afflictions, and restore balance to individuals and communities. Honoring this heritage, the temple continues to observe the ritual in its authentic, time-honored form, preserving its ancient structure, symbolism, and spiritual procedures.

The bridge, constructed annually with great care, is made entirely from solid wood, a material representing life, growth, and rootedness. Both ends are fitted with wooden staircases, and underneath the bridge, oil lamps are lit each flame representing illumination, divine guidance, and the burning away of darkness and impurities. The entrance and exit arches are crafted from rattan and paper, lightweight materials symbolizing the passage through different realms from suffering to serenity, from worldly entanglement to divine connection.

As devotees approach the bridge, the atmosphere is solemn and spiritually charged. Many carry incense, prayer slips, or paper talismans, and cross the bridge in silence or prayerful
meditation. Each step taken over the oil-lit bridge is a symbolic act of leaving behind illness, negativity, and misfortune, and stepping into peace, clarity, and spiritual alignment.

To safeguard the sanctity of this transition, the ritual is spiritually guarded by trance mediums (dang ki) entranced stationed at both the entrance and exit of the bridge. These trance mediums are believed to channel the presence of celestial generals or temple protectors, who stand as divine sentinels to ensure that no malevolent energies or spiritual disturbances interfere with the rite. Their presence reinforces the belief that Guo Han Qiao is not just symbolic, but a real, energetic purification under divine watch.

Upon completing the crossing, at the exit end of the bridge, each devotee receives a sacred stamp of the Nine Emperor Gods Seal, applied with red cinnabar ink on the upper back of the body. This cinnabar stamp imbued with protective power serves as a spiritual mark of blessing, sealing in the peace and protection received through the crossing. In the Chinese belief, cinnabar is a potent substance used in spiritual practices to repel evil, purify the spirit, and act as a medium of divine energy. The stamping marks the final step in the ritual, symbolizing that the devotee has been spiritually transformed and is now under the protection of the Nine Emperor Gods for the year ahead.

For many devotees, especially the elderly, children, and those facing personal hardship or spiritual imbalance, this ritual is one of the most intimate and healing experiences of the entire festival. Parents often carry infants across, hoping to grant them a future of health and harmony, while others perform the crossing on behalf of sick loved ones or recently departed souls. The ritual is inclusive, allowing every individual regardless of age, background, or social status to walk a path of spiritual renewal.

Crossing the Han Bridge at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is not merely a ritual act. It is a living spiritual tradition, a testament to the endurance of Chinese religious heritage in Malaysia, and a communal expression of faith, gratitude, and reverence for the divine. As incense wafts through the night air, oil lamps flicker underfoot, and the cinnabar seal is gently pressed onto the body, each devotee becomes part of a sacred legacy walking a path once trodden by ancestors, guarded by celestial beings, and blessed by the divine presence of the Nine Emperors.

Fostering Unity Through Devotion: Inter-Temple Courtesy Visits During the Nine Emperor Gods Festival

A deeply respected and spiritually enriching tradition observed during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is the practice of inter-temple courtesy visits, an enduring ritual that embodies the religion values of harmony, mutual respect, and collective devotion. These visits, which involve both welcoming visiting delegations from other temples and paying visits to fellow Nine Emperor Gods temples, serve as a meaningful expression of solidarity and religious fraternity network across Malaysia and neighboring countries.

The festival, which spans nine sacred days in the ninth lunar month, is not only a time for internal purification and celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen ties between spiritual communities. During this period, Anshun Dou Mu Gong becomes a spiritual hub alive with ritual activity and visited by devotees and committee representatives from other Nine Emperor Gods temples. Some travel from nearby districts, while others journey from across Malaysia, and even from Singapor and Thailand to participate in this time-honored tradition of religious diplomacy and brotherhood.

Each visiting delegation is received with great reverence and hospitality, often announced by the beating of ceremonial drums or the lighting of incense. Delegates present offerings such as incense coils, flowers, and paper effigies, and perform bows before the temple’s sacred altars. These offerings are not just tokens of devotion, they are gestures of spiritual alignment and mutual acknowledgement, reinforcing the collective commitment to uphold the sacred teachings of the Nine Emperor Gods. In return, the host temple’s committee extends blessings and gratitude, offering warm words of welcome and often returning the visit on a later date or within the same festival period.

The temple management committee at Anshun Dou Mu Gong also takes the initiative to pay courtesy visits to other temples throughout the festival. Clad in ceremonial robes or traditional white garments symbolizing purity and humility, the committee members embark on these visits not only as spiritual representatives, but also as ambassadors of goodwill. Accompanied by offerings, flags, and temple banners, they carry with them the prayers and goodwill of the temple’s devotees. These visits are often coordinated in advance and are carefully timed to coincide with major ritual dates at the receiving temple, ensuring that the act of reverence is witnessed by a wide circle of devotees and carried out in a spiritually resonant manner.

These acts of visitation and hospitality are more than formalities. They reflect a sacred covenant between temples, rooted in centuries of shared practice and belief. They also serve as important channels for preserving religious traditions, exchanging insights on ritual management, and supporting one another in times of need. Through these visits, temples can learn from each other’s practices, strengthen their own festival planning, and ensure that the legacy of the Nine Emperor Gods remains vibrant and united across different communities.

This tradition also has a powerful impact on the lay community. Devotees witnessing these exchanges are reminded that their faith is part of a larger, interconnected spiritual family. They see firsthand the values of cooperation, humility, and openness modeled by their temple leaders. For younger generations, especially those involved in temple youth groups or cultural troupes, these visits offer invaluable exposure to the broader network and instill a deep appreciation for religious cooperation and cultural heritage.

In today’s world, where sectarianism and division often threaten social harmony, the inter-temple courtesy visits stand out as a beacon of unity. They exemplify how faith, when rooted in sincerity and mutual respect, can become a powerful force for community-building, interdependence, and spiritual enrichment. Through this tradition, Anshun Dou Mu Gong plays a vital role in promoting the values of tolerance, collaboration, and universal respect among chinese temples not only ensuring the continuity of sacred practices, but also reinforcing the bonds that keep spiritual communities strong across borders, generations, and time.

The Grand Parade of Anshun Dou Mu Gong: A Rare Celestial Procession of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival

The Grand Parade of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong in Teluk Intan stands as one of the most extraordinary and spiritually charged events in Malaysia’s calendar. Unlike the annual rituals typically observed during the festival, the Grand Parade is only held once every 12 years, following the completion of a full Chinese zodiac cycle. This rare and majestic event is not initiated by human decision, but rather by a divine mandate a sacred instruction received through spiritual communication from Marshal Wang Ling Guan, the primary guardian deity of the temple. His celestial order is taken as an unambiguous call to organize a grand celebration worthy of the Nine Emperor Gods, uniting temples, communities, and devotees across borders.

Once the divine order is received, preparations begin months in advance. The anticipation is palpable, as the parade brings together Nine Emperor Gods temples from across Malaysia, as well as international participants from Singapore, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries with strong Taoist traditions. The scale of the event is monumental. In the last Grand Parade held in 2010, it was estimated that over 12,000 devotees and more than 100 temples participated, making it not only a major religious event but also a cultural and tourism milestone for Teluk Intan. The town was transformed into a spiritual and celebratory hub, drawing pilgrims, tourists, media, and local businesses into a rare moment of unified cultural celebration.

A particularly revered highlight of the Grand Parade is the appearance of the handcrafted heritage bamboo sedan chairs of Dou Mu Yuan Jun, the Matriarch of the Nine Emperor Gods. These sedan chairs, intricately constructed using traditional bamboo weaving techniques and spiritual consecration, are rarely seen in public and are usually reserved for the most sacred rituals. During the parade, they are carried in full procession, surrounded by clouds of incense, devotional chanting, and the thunderous sound of ceremonial drums and firecrackers. The procession is not merely a display, it is an embodiment of divine movement,
symbolizing the heavenly court’s visit to the human realm and blessing the land and its people with cosmic harmony and fortune.

The parade route winds through the heart of Teluk Intan, with every section of the path ritually cleansed and decorated with yellow banners, lotus lanterns, and Taoist symbols. Each participating temple presents its own deity processions, dragon and lion dance troupes, spirit mediums in trance, and elaborately dressed devotees in white and yellow, contributing to a vibrant spiritual tapestry. Floats, effigies, ceremonial flags, and sacred palanquins are all mobilized in a flowing river of devotion, culminating in a unified tribute to the Nine Emperor Gods.

The Grand Parade is not simply a public event. It is a profound act of collective worship, a spiritual convocation of celestial and earthly forces. It reaffirms inter-temple relationships, strengthens the Chinese community, and renews the spiritual mandate of Anshun Dou Mu
Gong as a leading guardian of the Nine Emperor Gods’ sacred tradition. Beyond its religious magnitude, the Grand Parade also boosts the local economy and tourism sector. Hotels fill with pilgrims, streets come alive with festive markets, and cultural pride surges among the local community. In 2010, the event was recognized in local records as one of the most significant religious and cultural celebrations in Teluk Intan’s modern history, bringing not only spiritual blessings but also tangible economic and cultural revitalization.

As devotees await the next possible Grand Parade guided again only by divine will. There remains a deep sense of reverence and anticipation. When the command once again comes from Marshal Wang Ling Guan, Anshun Dou Mu Gong will rise in faithful preparation, ready to host another sacred procession that bridges the heavens and the earth.

Sacred Trust: The Traditional Selection of Lor Zhu and Towkays

The Selecting of Lor Zhu ritual during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is a time-honored and spiritually significant ceremony that reflects the deep-rooted cultural and traditions belief in divine guidance and communal responsibility. This sacred ritual is conducted in the traditional way, maintaining the customs passed down through generations, and is considered one of the most important preludes to the next year’s festival. The ritual determines the appointment of the Lor Zhu, Assistant Lor Zhu, and the annual Towkays, all of whom will play key roles in leading, sponsoring, and spiritually guiding the coming Nine Emperor Gods celebrations. Participation in the selection ritual is open to all devotees, regardless of their background or means. In accordance with the temple’s emphasis on sincerity and merit, any amount of donation whether monetary or in-kind is accepted as a sign of goodwill and devotion. There is no fixed threshold for contribution; instead, the focus lies on the spiritual intent behind the offering. Those who wish to participate submit their names to the temple caretakers prior to the ritual, and they are encouraged to prepare themselves through personal purification, such as observing a vegetarian diet and upholding spiritual discipline.

On the day of the selection, a ceremonial altar is set up just outside the main entrance gate of Anshun Dou Mu Gong. This altar serves as the sacred space for divine witnessing and is modest in size yet rich in symbolism. At the center of the altar stands a revered statue of
Marshal Nezha, a youthful celestial general in kitchen god belief, who serves as the divine overseer and spiritual witness to the proceedings. The presence of Marshal Nezha is crucial, as he represents the righteous force of heaven ensuring that the selection is just, divinely guided, and free from human bias. Offerings such as incense, fruits, floral arrangements, and yellow talismanic flags are placed on the altar to honor the deities and invite their blessings for a smooth and sacred ritual.

As the ceremony begins, the name of each participant who has made a donation and expressed the wish to serve is read aloud clearly and respectfully by the temple caretaker or priest. This vocal declaration is an important part of the ritual, signifying transparency and acknowledging each devotee before the spiritual assembly. Following each name, the current Lor Zhu, who is spiritually and ritually prepared for the responsibility, performs the sacred act of tossing the wooden divination blocks. These crescent-shaped wooden blocks are a traditional Taoist method used to seek divine approval. The blocks are tossed multiple times for each candidate, and a “yes” answerindicated when one flat and one round side land face up is counted. The number of successful “yes” tosses for each participant is meticulously recorded.

Once every name has been called and the block tossing completed, the results are reviewed. The individual with the highest number of divine affirmations is selected as the next Lor Zhu, the spiritual leader entrusted with overseeing the Nine Emperor Gods Festival in the coming year. The person with the second-highest number of yes tosses becomes the Assistant Lor Zhu, serving as the primary support and co-organizer. In addition, a fixed number of Towkays main sponsors who receive divine approval are also chosen based on the number of favorable tosses. These individuals are honored not only for their material support but for their willingness to uphold the temple’s spiritual mission and communal traditions.

The announcement of the new Lor Zhu, Assistant Lor Zhu, and Towkays is made formally before the congregation of devotees. They are invited to light incense before the statue of Marshal Nezha and the Nine Emperor Gods, symbolizing their acceptance of this sacred duty and the beginning of their spiritual service. The ritual typically concludes with ceremonial drumming, the sounding of temple gongs, and the lighting of firecrackers to celebrate the divine selection. In some cases, the newly appointed Lor Zhu may receive a sash, token, or certificate from the temple as a formal mark of their role.

Ultimately, the Selecting Lor Zhu ritual at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is not just an organizational process. It is a spiritual rite, a communal celebration, and a reaffirmation of Taoist values such as humility, devotion, and service to the divine. The entire ritual is infused with a sense of reverence and unity, as the community gathers not only to witness but to spiritually align with the will of the Nine Emperor Gods. Through this sacred tradition, the temple ensures that each year’s festival continues with renewed spiritual leadership and divine blessing.

Faith Without Compromise: Anshun Dou Mu Gong’s Role in Preserving Ritual Purity

At Anshun Dou Mu Gong, the observance of sacred tradition is not merely a matter of preference. It is a fundamental principle that guides the temple’s identity and religious discipline. This commitment is especially evident during the annual Nine Emperor Gods Festival, a deeply spiritual period marked by purification, devotion, and cosmic alignment. While many temples across the region have, in recent years, adopted more commercialized forms of entertainment such as hiring modern singers, including performances featuring flashy costumes or provocative attire. Anshun Dou Mu Gong firmly distances itself from such practices. The temple community believes that such performances, often focused on entertainment over reverence, risk undermining the sanctity of the festival and distracting from its spiritual purpose. Out of deep respect for the Nine Emperor Gods and the celestial forces they represent, the temple has drawn clear boundaries: only traditional, spiritually-rooted activities are permitted within its grounds during this sacred period.

At the heart of these observances is the Traditional Chinese Opera, a performance art that at Anshun Dou Mu Gong remains entirely ritualistic and devotional in nature. These
operas, with their richly embroidered costumes, stylized movements, and dramatic retelling of ancient tales, are not viewed as mere entertainment but rather as sacred offerings performed as acts of cultural devotion and spiritual merit. Before taking the stage, performers often undergo ritual purification and offer incense at the altar, signaling that their performance is for the gods first and the public second. The operas typically portray legendary figures exemplifying righteousness, loyalty, divine intervention, and moral courage themes that align closely with the values the Nine Emperor Gods are believed to uphold. By maintaining this high standard of reverence, Anshun Dou Mu Gong ensures that the opera stage becomes an extension of the temple’s sacred space, not a site for secular or commercial influence.

The temple’s strict adherence to traditional religious etiquette serves a greater purpose: it reinforces a sense of spiritual discipline and sacred atmosphere that allows worshippers to fully engage in the inner dimensions of the festival. Devotees who visit during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival are not greeted by bright lights and pop music, but by the solemn sounds of gongs, flutes, and ritual chants, the burning of incense, and the distant echo of operatic voices retelling epic moral stories. The absence of commercial distractions allows for deeper introspection, focused prayer, and communal devotion, in keeping with the festival’s purpose as a time for self-purification, merit-making, and honoring the divine order. Many worshippers return to Anshun Dou Mu Gong year after year precisely because of this uncompromising spiritual authenticity, which has become increasingly rare in a modern world where the line between sacred and secular is often blurred.

Moreover, the temple’s stance reflects its role as a protector of heritage and spiritual values, particularly in a time when many traditional practices are being diluted or replaced for broader appeal. By maintaining a pure and respectful environment, Anshun Dou Mu Gong not only preserves the integrity of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, but also serves as a living guardian of cultural and religious continuity, ensuring that future generations can experience the depth and beauty of Nine Emperor Gods Festival ritual in its undisturbed form. The temple’s leadership, devotees, and community members work in unity to uphold this tradition, seeing it as both a sacred duty and a gift to the divine. In doing so, Anshun Dou Mu Gong stands as a beacon of devotion, quietly but powerfully reminding all who enter that true spirituality requires not just worship, but also discipline, discernment, and unwavering respect for the sacred.

Compassion in Action: The Charitable Mission of Anshun Dou Mu Gong

Anshun Dou Mu Gong is not only a revered spiritual sanctuary but also a cornerstone of compassion and social service within the community. Guided by the values of benevolence and virtue, the temple has long integrated charitable causes into its religious and cultural mission. One of the most prominent acts of kindness carried out by the temple, especially during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is the distribution of free vegetarian food and drinks to the public. Prepared by dedicated volunteers and offered with sincere devotion, these meals are given entirely without charge, welcoming people from all walks of life to share in nourishment and spiritual fellowship. Importantly, the practice upholds the sacred principle of avoiding food wastage, encouraging everyone to take only what they need and to finish every meal with gratitude and respect.

In addition to food distribution, Anshun Dou Mu Gong actively collects groceries and daily necessities contributed by the public such as rice, canned goods, toiletries, and other household items and redistributes them to those in need. These donations are thoughtfully
packaged and delivered to local elderly care homes, children’s shelters, and underprivileged families, often accompanied by temple volunteers who bring not just supplies but comfort, prayers, and warmth. The temple also plays a vital role in providing financial assistance to individuals facing serious hardship, particularly in the areas of medical treatment and education. This includes helping to fund life-saving procedures, supporting chronic illness care, and sponsoring students from low-income families with school fees, books, and uniforms, giving them hope for a better future.

Beyond these core efforts, the temple organizes various outreach programs throughout the year, including blood donation campaigns, environmental clean-up activities, charity bazaars, and hospital visitations. These initiatives reflect the temple’s broader commitment to serve humanity, driven by the belief that faith must be practiced not only in prayer but also in everyday action. Through these continuous acts of compassion, Anshun Dou Mu Gong reaffirms that the true essence of religion belief lies in the balance between spiritual devotion
and selfless service, showing that even in today’s world, ancient values can shine through with modern relevance nourishing both the spirit and the society it serves.

Burning for the Divine: The Koh Kun Ritual and the Five Armies of Heaven

The Koh Kun ritual at Anshun Dou Mu Gong is a deeply symbolic and spiritually significant component of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, extending beyond its opening ceremony to special dates within the festival itself. After the welcoming procession of the Nine Emperor Gods, Koh Kun ritual will be conducted on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of the ninth lunar month. Each of these days marking critical milestones in the celestial journey and presence of the Nine Emperors within the mortal realm. These repeated ceremonies are not merely ritualistic reenactments, but are regarded as sacred thanksgiving feasts offered to the divine protectors, the marshals, generals, heavenly soldiers, and celestial armies who are believed to have faithfully guarded and escorted the Nine Emperor Gods during their descent, stay, and eventual return to the heavens.