Pud Jo shrine was situated at the central of Phuket. From the past evidence, it was told that Pud Jo shrine was Te Kun shrine (Kuan Ou), wooden building with thatch roof. This shrine was called Jui Tui village by villagers. Later, a merchant traveled from Penang (Malaysia) to Thung Kha (Phuket) to run a business. He sailed to this shrine which was a port in the past. This sailboat contained a wooden carving Buddha (Kim Sin) of Kuan Im Pud Jo. Normally, the boat owner would keep this Buddha for worship and prevention from any dangers. Due to the sanctity inspiring the merchant, he gave this wooden carving Kuan Im Pud Jo to place at Te Kun shrine for people to worship.
Many years later, this wooden building with thatch roof was decayed and a man named Tan Hok Kui rebuilt a new shrine till 30 years later, it was old and damaged. Then, Khun Sew Jongkok Tansakul (Sewatanont) collected money and things from Phuket and Penang people and renovated from wooden building to Masonic building with tiling roof. Moreover, there were many exquisite wooden carving images inside the building.
In 1993, Pud Jo shrine was restored by the committee led by Khun Narong Hongyok, the president of the shrine and Khun Sanguan Yaowawaja, the shrine caretaker. After that, the committee celebrated and paraded Kim Sin Kuan Im Pud Jo along the roads and performed Chia Hoy ceremony at Saphan Hin.
Ceremony / traditions
The shrine will annually hold the celebration of Kuan Im Buddha’s birthday which is on 19th second month as in the Chinese calendar. Food donation is held in the daytime and entertainments in the nighttime.
Belief
It is believed that the youths who worship to ask for a soul mate, will get their wishes. Furthermore, it is believed that spouse who has not had a baby, and wants to get a child; they can vow and will achieve the wish.
After 1 month childbirth, parents will take the baby to receive wishes from Kuan Im god for blessing. Therefore, it is regarded that Pud Jo shrine is the place mind supporting people.
