Sam Poh Footprint Temple
PenangSentral.com » Penang Tourist Attractions » Sam Poh Footprint Temple
Sam Poh Footprint Temple is located in Batu Maung, a tiny fishing village
tucked away on the southeast tip of Penang Island. Located close to the waters,
this temple does not date back to the ancient period. There is a huge footprint
on a stone in that area. According to the faith of the locals of Batu Maung, it
is believed to have belonged to Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho (Zhenghe) locally known
as Sam Poh, who treaded across this area while exploring the Malay peninsula
during his voyage across the world.
Interestingly enough, this footprint did not raise enough curiosity among the
locals except for the reverence showed through the construction of an altar and
some joss sticks. It was only in the recent times, that a temple was built on
the footprint, which is as long as 33 inches.
History says that Cheng Ho was of giant stature. However, there are other
explanations by the Hindus who believe that the footprint belonged to the
legendary Hanuman or the monkey god, who stepped on Batu Maung as he leaped over
the Indian Ocean. The belief of the local Malays is different as they believe
that it was made by Gedembai, a monster, who left his footprints in other places
like Kampung Mesjid in Bayan Lepas, Pulau Aman and Pulau Jerejak.
The footprint measures 0.85 meters, a colossal 33 inches, and according to local
folklore, while one footprint lies in Penang, the other lies in Melaka,
indicating his giant stride. Sam Poh Footprint Temple in Penang was built in
1993 or 1994. There are other Sam Poh Temples like Poh San Teng in Malacca, the
Sam Poh Tong in Ipoh and Sam Poh Temple in Cameron Highlands.
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