A popular idol in Chinese temples, the goddess Kuan Yin (also: Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Guan Yin) considered to be the goddess of mercy . Buddhist lore suggests she was a bodhisattva (enlightened being) who renounced her right to enter through the Gates of Paradise, when the cries of anguish from those suffering on Earth prompted her to return . Forsaking her gift of eternal bliss , she instead assumed the role of compassionate protector of man. Kuan Yin was initially depicted as a man, an Indian bodhisattva very similar to Avalokiteshvara whose story is identical.

The image of Quan Yin as a woman started around the 12th century . This has been attributed to the writings in the scriptures of the Lotus Sutra as it suggests Avalokiteshvara could take any form required to end anguish and suffering . He also possessed the power to grant children to couples. This very likely caused artists of the time to depict the bodhisattva as a "mother goddess." The depiction of the goddess as a female is further influenced by her role as a patron of women, nurturer and one who can end suffering. This female representation became the popular notion in China , though some cultures view Kuan Yin as a man, both man and woman , or simply a spiritual being.

Kwan Yin is known by many different names . She is "salvation from misery... the great mercy, great pity... salvation from anguish... thousand arms and thousand eyes." She is also known as one of the Three Great Beings who possess powers over nature and the animals . Kuan Yin statues and sculptures in China portray the mother goddess as the pinnacle of beauty in white flowing robes. Often she is seen with a white hood, seated in the "Kuan Yin Royal Ease" position or seated in a traditional Buddha pose. Other popular portrayals include statues of Kuan Yin holding a child, Kuan Yin standing on dragon or Quan Yin clutching a rosary.

Her popularity has increased over the centuries and she is viewed as a protector of sailors, farmers and those who travel . Especially popular in South China, she is worshipped at temples with the belief that she has the power to grant a family a son or beautiful daughter . in Chinese culture she is a paragon of beauty and those wishing to pay compliment to the parents of a young girl might refer to her as a "Kuan Yin."

Taoists have also incorporated Kuan Yin into their religion. She is worshiped in the same manner and her various incarnations and disposition as the embodiment of compassionate are the same. As compassionate, female religious icons, Kuan Yin and the Virgin Mary have many similarities. During the Edo period in Japan when Christianity was outlawed, many Christians worshiped the Virgin Mary in the guise of Kuan Yin statuary . She continues to be a popular figure around the world as a symbol of compassion and caring.