Taiwan temple to launch 'divine advice' app

A temple in southern Taiwan is to launch a smartphone app that allows the faithful to seek advice from the heavens while on the move, reports said Saturday.

"With the increasing popularity of smartphones, we will launch our own divination app next year," said Hung Yang-chen, website designer for Jhen Hai Temple in Pingtung county, according to Central News Agency.

The temple launched a website in 2005 offering online divination services, enabling Internet users to ask heavenly advice about what action to take, whether in love or commerce.

Since the website was launched, the temple has seen an increase in physical visitor numbers of 30 percent, prompting it to expand into mobile apps.

Divination is an important part of Taoist practices in Taiwan, and local temples are often full of worshippers seeking divine guidance.

(c) 2012 AFP