|
Probably the oldest Chinese temple in Macau, this place
of worship situated beneath Barra Hill at the entrance of
the Inner Harbour is dedicated to A-Ma (also known as Tin
Hau by some worshippers), the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
It is built on the spot where she first set foot on land
in Macau. (The name Macau was derived from the name of this
goddess (A-Ma-Gao), shortened as Macau.) This is actually
a complex of temples also dedicated to Kun Iam, the Goddess
of Mercy and also other deities. At the entrance is a large
rock which was engraved a traditional image of a sailing
junk which was believed to have carried A-Ma and its passengers
onboard, through typhoons and storms to safety while sailing
across to Macau.
|