In a first-of-its-kind religious innovation, a Taoist temple in southern Malaysia has introduced what it claims is the world's first artificial intelligence-powered deity: "AI Mazu Statue", a digital version of the revered Chinese sea goddess Mazu. According to the South China Morning Post, the initiative blends tradition with technology, allowing worshippers to converse with a virtual goddess in real-time.
The AI Mazu is located at the Tianhou Temple in Johor, displayed on a screen as a graceful woman dressed in traditional Chinese attire. Devotees are encouraged to ask for blessings, seek interpretations of fortune sticks, and ask personal questions, to which AI Mazu reportedly responds with a gentle voice and spiritual wisdom.
Image Courtesy: X (@amogha__varsha)
A digital leap in divine communication
The SCMP reports that the AI version of Mazu was developed by Malaysian technology company Aimazin, which specialises in artificial intelligence applications, including personal AI cloning services. The firm worked closely with the temple to develop an experience that remains spiritually rooted while offering a new mode of engagement.
In one demonstration captured on video, Aimazin founder Shin Kong asked a question to the virtual goddess: "Can I have luck for an unexpected fortune, known as pian Cai Yun in Mandarin?" The AI Mazu responds serenely, "You would have better luck in terms of an unexpected fortune if you stay at home."
Another interaction featured a social media influencer seeking help for insomnia. The digital deity replies affectionately, "Drink some warm water before going to sleep," and refers to her as "my child", reflecting the nurturing tone often associated with the sea goddess.
Following the release of these interactions, the temple's social media platforms saw an outpouring of reactions, with followers posting prayer emojis and messages requesting virtual blessings from the AI deity.
The launch of AI Mazu coincided with the celebration of the goddess' 1,065th birthday, observed on April 20. As SCMP notes, Mazu, born Lin Mo in 960 AD on Meizhou Island in China's Fujian province, was said to have died while rescuing sailors at sea. She was later worshipped and is now honoured as a powerful guardian of fishermen and travellers across Chinese communities worldwide.
