this is at a bhuddist temple located in my hometown called da xing shan temple. we visited recently because of a deceased relative, and we wanted to pay our respects. this temple is also a dove sanctuary, and i think those doves are the souls of those that were once dear to someone, coming back to oversee.
the temple hosts many gods, and there were no photos permitted inside of the worshipping grounds. whatever you wanted to pray for, you’d visit the god that aligns. i visited guanyin. my mom and i couldn’t stay long because the incense was very heavy and choking.
also, peep the temple kitty!
it’s a belief in china that cats in temples are often the reincarnations of monks or officials that return to watch over the faithful. this kitty looks very wise :3