MIRI: The Tua Pek Kong Temple here will host its inaugural sea purification and blessing ceremony this Friday (April 19) in conjunction with the birthday of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess.
The event, jointly organised with the Bao An Gong Temple, aims to pay tribute to Mazu while seeking her blessings for the safety and prosperity of those who venture to sea.
The ceremony is set to begin at 9am with a grand land and sea procession, marking the first time the temple’s Mazu deity statue will embark on a maritime journey.
The statue will be transported via a decorated lorry to the Solitaire Logistics Jetty, followed by a symbolic voyage at sea lasting approximately three hours.
The outbound land route will take the convoy through major roads including Jalan Marina Utama, Jalan Permaisuri, Jalan Sukan, and Jalan Jee Foh Utama.
Following the maritime ritual, the return journey will pass through Jalan Krokop and several key city arteries before culminating at the temple.
A detailed programme will begin as early as 6am with crew preparations, followed by prayers and offerings at 7am.
By 8am, the ceremonial dressing of the deity will commence, including a purification ritual for the sacred sedan chair.
The official departure is slated for 9am, with the entire event concluding at around 3pm upon Mazu’s return and final enshrinement.
Organisers are advising motorists to drive cautiously and avoid parking along the procession route.
The public is also asked to respect ceremonial protocols, particularly by refraining from crossing overhead pedestrian bridges when the deity passes beneath.
Temple staff and police officers will be stationed to ensure public safety and ceremonial decorum.
