5 Helpful Tips to Worship Yue Lao with Best Yue Lao Temples

Everyone knows that talking to Yue Lao (the Matchmaking God), also known as the Chinese God of Love, is the most effective way to seek romantic destiny, but what is the correct procedure for worshiping Yue Lao?

What should you say during the ritual? How should you describe your ideal partner so that Yue Lao will help match you? What offerings should you buy for Yue Lao?

What does Yue Lao like to eat? Is it useful to worship Yue Lao for a reconciliation? How do you ask Yue Lao for the red string of fate?

We’ll cover the winning strategies for worshiping Yue Lao, including what offerings to buy, what to say to Yue Lao, and even the most efficacious Yue Lao temples for you.

1. The Best Days to Worship Yue Lao

To seek romantic destiny, you can worship Yue Lao anytime! However, the three most auspicious dates are said to be 14th February (Valentine’s Day in the West), the 7th day of the 7th lunar month (Qixi, the Chinese Valentine’s Day), and the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (the birthday of Yue Lao).

If you are seeking a good romantic match, you should not miss these three excellent days.

2. Describing Your Ideal Partner to Yue Lao

When envisioning your ideal partner, describe them as “specifically and accurately” as possible:

• Appearance (for example: facial features, 180 cm tall)
• Personality (for example: good sense of humor, always able to make you happy, faithful)
• Economic conditions (for example: stable job, monthly salary of 50K and up)
• Values/money/worldview (for example: good at managing finances, willing to spend money to travel abroad with me)
• Family relationships (for example: takes initiative in doing household chores, has a harmonious relationship with family)
• Ability to bring you happiness (for example: willing to talk when you’re feeling down, guides you to look at setbacks optimistically)
• Future plans (for example: hopes to strive for a future life together, try all the world’s delicacies)

3. Preparing Offerings to Yue Lao

Yue Lao likes sweet, soft foods, so you can prepare offerings like chocolate, candy, sweet mochi, etc.

You can also prepare offerings with auspicious puns, such as:

• peanuts (wishing for good events),
• red dates (wishing for early fulfillment of desires),
• goji berries (wishing for popularity),
• longan (wishing for completeness),
• fresh flowers and fruits (wishing for success and achievement),
• and the popular marriage-seeking combination of “chopsticks + instant noodles = (wishing for romantic encounters)” found online.

4. Things to Note When Your Worship Yue Lao

• Avoid bringing friends; it’s best to go alone.
• Asking for the red string requires Yue Lao’s consent; only after casting divination blocks and getting three positive results can you take it.
• Do not carry an umbrella during the ritual, as “umbrella” sounds like “separate” in homophony. If you have a folding umbrella, make sure it’s packed away.
• Make a promise to Yue Lao that if you successfully find your partner, you will return with wedding cakes and candies to fulfill your vow.

How to Worship Yue Lao: A Step-by-Step Guide

The worship methods at each Yue Lao temple differ slightly, and one must follow the specific rituals and rules of the temple. However, the general steps are usually similar and can be summarized as follows:

Total time: 30 minutes

Prepare Your Visit

Purchase incense, and joss paper from the temple store. First-timers should inform the staff to receive lead coins, red thread, and wedding candies if any. Prepare spirit money, incense, and offerings.

Light the Incense

Light three incense sticks at the designated area. Ensure all are lit properly without using your mouth to extinguish the flame.

Worship the Deities

Start by worshiping the Heaven God and the main deity first. After all worship is complete, insert the incense sticks into the Heaven God’s furnace, using your left hand for all three sticks. Recite your personal details silently while holding the incense at forehead height and bow three times.

Set Up Offerings

Collect the joss paper, place your offerings proceed at the Yue Lao altar. With a sincere heart, silently tell Yue Lao your name, gender, date of birth, address, and the qualities of the partner you seek, and worship with incense.

When worshipping Yue Lao at the temple, first bow to Yue Lao and introduce yourself: “Devotee (male/female) [name], residing at [address], today I come to [Name of Temple] to pay my respects and pray to Lord Yue Lao for peace, and light one stick of incense.

To request the red string: Holding the divination blocks, “Devotee (male/female) [name], residing at [address], [age] years old this year, with a sincere heart, I pray to Lord Yue Lao to grant me a red string to quickly find a suitable partner. Cast the divination blocks for a sacred cup, then you may take down the red string (proceed with ritualistic offerings), carry it around the incense burner in a clockwise direction three times, and wear it on your wrist, men on the left, women on the right (it can be taken off and placed in your personal bag).
求红线：手执筊，信女(信士)○○○住在○○○今年几岁，以虔诚之心向月老星君祈求赐给我一个红丝线尽快找到好对象，掷筊圣杯一个，即可取下红丝线（随意油香）拿到香炉顺时钟绕三圈，戴在手上，男左女右(可拿下放在随身皮包)。

To seek a marriage partner: “Devotee (male/female) [name], residing at [address], [age] years old this year, with a sincere heart, I pray to Lord Yue Lao to grant me a good marriage. If the marriage comes to fruition, I will return to the temple to express my gratitude, (the vow made should be within one’s capabilities, generally with wedding cakes, sweets, and invitations, which can be left behind to share or taken home).
求姻缘：信女(信士)○○○住在○○○今年几岁，以虔诚之心祈求月老星君赐给我一个好姻缘，日后若姻缘有成，会回宫答谢，（许的愿一定要自己能力所及，一般为喜饼喜糖喜帖，可留下分享或带回家亦可）。

To seek connections and good relationships: “Devotee (male/female) [name], residing at [address], [age] years old this year, currently working in the [industry], with a sincere heart, I pray to Lord Yue Lao to grant me good relationships and a wide network of valuable contacts.
求人脉，人缘：信女(信士)○○○住在○○○今年几岁，目前从事○○○行业，以虔诚之心祈求月老星君赐给我好人缘，人脉广阔贵人多。

Perform the Ritual with Lead Coins (铅钱) and Red Thread (红线）

After casting divination blocks and receiving a positive sign for Yue Lao, take a red thread, and circle the incense burner clockwise three times, then carefully keep the lead coins and red thread in your wallet or purse.

Consume Wedding Candies and Peace Tea (Optional)

Eat the wedding candies and drink the peace tea to absorb joyous energy. If preparing peace tea at home, use hot sweet longan tea.

Leave Offerings and Conclude Visit

Optionally, leave wedding candies for the temple to use for peace tea. Before departing, place joss paper in the collection box and carefully store the lead coins and red thread.

Some temples may not practice burning incense or spirit money, and the order of worship might be slightly different, so it’s a good idea to ask the temple staff for detailed instructions on the worship process!

5. Taboos to Observe When Worship Yue Lao

Marriage is a significant life event, and naturally, when worshipping Yue Lao, one must be solemn. On the day of the visit, pay attention to your attire before leaving home. Remember to dress modestly, avoiding overly revealing clothes to not violate Yue Lao’s taboos.

• Do not cover your face: Do not wear hats, masks, or sunglasses so that Yue Lao can clearly see your face in order to find you a good match.
• Dress modestly: Avoid wearing overly revealing clothes to show respect to the deities.
• Avoid umbrellas: The word for “umbrella” phonetically sounds like “scatter,” fearing that the marriage fate will “scatter”! If you bring a folding umbrella, remember to keep it in your bag or place it at the entrance. If someone nearby is holding an umbrella, remember to stay away to avoid scattering your marriage fate!
• When drinking the “Connection Tea” provided by the temple (if any), do not blow on it, as this could blow away your fate.

Where to Worship Yue Lao?

Here are some popular Yue Lao temples across Asia. These temples are renowned for their traditions in worship Yue Lao, the deity of love and marriage, attracting visitors who seek blessings for their romantic lives.

Taiwan Yue Lao Temples

• Taipei Xiahai City God Temple (台北霞海城隍廟)
  • Address: No. 61, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
  • Highlights: Famous for its Yue Lao deity, a popular spot for those seeking love and partnership blessings.
• Zhinan Temple (台北指南宮)
  • Address: No. 115, Wanshou Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
  • Highlights: Known for its spiritual ambiance, it’s a place where individuals pray for guidance in love among other blessings.
• Zhongli Yue Lao Temple (中壢月老宮)
  • Address: No. 332號, Puzhong Rd, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan 320
  • Highlights: Dedicated specifically to Yue Lao, attracting many who wish for romantic connections.
• Taichung Lecheng Temple (台中樂成宮)
  • Address: No. 48號, Hanxi St, East District, Taichung City, Taiwan 401
  • Highlights: Known for its historical significance and worship of Yue Lao, offering blessings for those in search of love.

• Xiahai City God Temple (霞海城隍廟)
  • Address: No. 61, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
  • Highlights:
    • Home to the famous Yue Lao, the Matchmaking God.
    • Popular among those seeking romantic blessings.
    • Known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
• Longshan Temple (龍山寺)
  • Address: 23 Longshan Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
  • Highlights:
    • Although primarily in Taiwan, its reputation and influence extend to those in China seeking spiritual guidance in love.
    • Offers a peaceful retreat in the bustling city.
    • Attracts visitors for both its cultural significance and spiritual offerings.

China Yue Lao Temples

• Yue Lao Temple at the White Cloud Temple (白云观月老祠)
  • Address: Baiyun Guan, Baiyun Rd, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
  • Highlights:
    • Part of the renowned White Cloud Temple, a Daoist temple with a rich history.
    • Dedicated to Yue Lao, attracting those seeking blessings for love and marriage.
    • Offers a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere amidst the bustling city of Beijing.

Hong Kong Yue Lao Temples

• Yue Lao Temple at Wong Tai Sin Temple (黃大仙祠月老廟)
  • Address: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
  • Highlights:
    • Located within the famous Wong Tai Sin Temple, known for answering prayers.
    • Devotees visit Yue Lao’s shrine within the temple complex to seek blessings for love and marriage.
    • Famous for its practice of Kau Cim, where visitors can also ask about their romantic futures.

Singapore Yue Lao Temples

• Yueh Hai Ching Temple (粤海清庙)
  • Address: 30B Phillip St, Singapore 048696
  • Highlights:
    • UNESCO heritage site, also known as the “Love Temple.”
    • Devotees visit to pray for romantic destiny and marital bliss.
    • Features intricate traditional Chinese architecture.
• Thian Hock Keng Temple (天福宫)
  • Location: 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613
    • Highlights: Although primarily dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, Thian Hock Keng Temple also houses a statue of Yue Lao. It is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore, attracting those who seek blessings for various aspects of life, including love and marriage.

Malaysia Yue Lao Temples

• Thean Hou Temple (天后宫)
  • Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Off Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Highlights:
    • Although not exclusively a Yue Lao temple, it includes deities for marriage and relationships.
    • A landmark six-tiered Chinese temple.
    • Known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur.
• Nan Hai Hui Guan Tian Hou Gong (南海会馆天后宫)
  • Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Off Jalan Syed Putra, 50460 KL.
  • Highlights: While primarily dedicated to the Sea Goddess, it’s a place where people also seek Yue Lao’s blessings.
• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dato’ Keramat (士毛月石拿督庙)
  • Address: No. 4, Jalan Besar, 71750 Negeri Sembil,, Broga, 71750 Semenyih, Negeri Sembilan
  • Highlights: A Hindu temple where locals also seek blessings for relationships, showcasing the multicultural aspect of worship.
• Bentong Seven Deities Temple (文良港七宫仙女庙)
  • Address: 52, Jalan Pahang, Setapak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
  • Highlights: Features various deities including those for love and marriage, attracting diverse worshippers.
• Muar Lotus Temple (麻坡莲花庙)
  • Address: Taman Temiang Utama, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
  • Highlights: Known for its beautiful architecture and serene environment, where visitors can pray for personal intentions.
• Butterworth Tian Gong Tan (北海天公坛)
  • Address: Lebuh Kg Benggali 1, Kampung Benggali, 12200 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
  • Highlights: A Taoist temple where individuals may seek divine assistance in various aspects of life, including love.
• Wu Ji Yan Wu Ji Guan Yin Temple (烏髻巖烏髻觀音正老廟)
  • Address: Lot 7219, No. 13, Jalan Haji Redzuan, Bandar Baru Bukit Gambir, 84800 Tangkak, Johor, Malaysia
  • Highlights: Dedicated to Guan Yin, it’s a spiritual sanctuary for those seeking blessings, including for relationships.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (七条咯城隍庙)
  • Address: 77-2-13, Jalan S.P. Chelliah, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang
  • Highlights: As the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, it offers a rich history and a peaceful place for prayers, including those for love.
• Fuk Tek Tarn Si Hai Long Wang Da Bo Gong (福德坛四海龙王大伯公)
  • Address: JP12, Jalan Pantai, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor
  • Highlights: While focusing on the Dragon King and Earth God, it’s part of a network of temples where prayers for various blessings, including love, are offered.
• Dato Keramat Seong Teik Tong Temple (大山脚海东妈庙)
  • Address: Jln Kulim, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  • Highlights: Devoted to the Goddess of the Eastern Sea, it’s a site for seeking divine guidance and blessings in personal matters.

Vietnam Yue Lao Temples

• Jade Emperor Pagoda (Ngọc Hoàng Điện / 玉皇寺)
  • Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu St, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Highlights:
    • While not specifically dedicated to Yue Lao, it is a significant Taoist temple featuring various deities, including those related to love and relationships.
    • Famous for its intricate woodcarvings and serene atmosphere.
    • A spiritual destination for prayers, including those for love and marriage.

Essential Guide to Worship Yue Lao

The practice of worship Yue Lao serves as a pivotal tradition for individuals aspiring to enrich their love lives. This ancient ritual not only acts as the spiritual equivalent of sending the best Valentine’s Day message but also aligns with the principles of Feng Shui for love, thereby magnifying its effectiveness in drawing romantic fortunes.

The custom of worship Yue Lao parallels the act of praying to other deities for blessings, offering a comprehensive approach to improving one’s personal and romantic well-being.

Adhering to the specific rituals and understanding the taboos associated with worship Yue Lao can significantly open the doors to finding true love and fostering lasting relationships, proving the enduring power and appeal of this cherished practice in today’s search for love and companionship.