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Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

17 January 2010 11 Comments

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The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, located at the heart of Malacca Chinatown, is a premier historical monument that has survived the ravages of time. It is the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia, founded in 1645.

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The temple is ranked among the most significant in Southeast Asia, being central to the spiritual aspirations of the Chinese community, yet could not find a place in UNESCO’s list for outstanding architectural restoration.

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In Chinese temples what we noticed is, except for a few, people generally do not remove footwear. They offer their prayers by lighting candles and incense sticks. Sometimes the incense sticks can be very big in size. Can you imagine how big ?
OK, before I tell you, I want to know your guesses. :)

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These are big urns to collect ashes from the incense sticks.

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correct way to bow in front of God

I observed, in temples generally there is a flat wooden (with or without a cushion) stool to pay your respects. The stool is big enough to rest your knees and hands on it, then by bending down touch it with your forehead.

The atmosphere is similar to any other temple though. Calm and pious with chanting of hymns.

Notice the shoes are still on.

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11 Comments »

  • anjuli said:

    Lovely post-=I love the pictures along with the commentary- it helps the reader to ‘be there’ and learn so much.

    I laughed out loud when I read your comment about me not being aloud to guess!! :) You are so funny!!

    # 17 January 2010 at 9:37 PM
  • Zhu said:

    I always love visiting temple – the atmosphere is very special.

    # 18 January 2010 at 8:17 AM
  • Ram N said:

    Are the incense sticks as big as “Thee Pantham” !! (Check for the tamil translation at home ;) )
    This way of paying respect to the god is similar to the way Tamil Women pay respect, men fall flat on the floor …..

    # 18 January 2010 at 10:45 AM
  • Anil said:

    Almost looks like an office in the interior.

    # 18 January 2010 at 7:28 PM
  • Manish Kumar said:

    Nice pics ! It’s Buddha temple or some other deity.

    # 19 January 2010 at 11:54 PM
  • Nisha (author) said:

    Zhu,
    Yes, it is.

    Ram,
    Yes, they are ! Sometimes even bigger than them. :D

    Yes, similar to Tamil women paying respect minus the wooden stool. And those men get good exercise while paying respects. :P

    Anil,
    That’s interesting. How do you say so?

    Manish,
    Yes, it is Buddha temple.

    # 20 January 2010 at 11:40 PM
  • Anil said:

    1645 is a long way back. Was the entire temple restored?

    I’d have thought it was compulsory to take off the footwear in Chinese temples.

    # 21 January 2010 at 3:11 PM
  • Anil said:

    I think it’s the desks and tables, they look like they belong in an office environment. Maybe it’s just me but in that one picture with the person kneeling I don’t get that ‘temple’ feel.

    # 21 January 2010 at 3:50 PM
  • Nisha (author) said:

    Anil,
    Yes, the entire temple is restored.

    Regarding footwear, I had also thought so. :)

    Anil,
    :)
    Those tables are kept to display things for sale such as candles, incense sticks, some books etc. Once inside, you ought to feel the right atmosphere. :)

    # 26 January 2010 at 4:47 PM
  • aeireck said:

    It’s really interesting. I like looking for temples in the internet, their history and relics. I’m dreaming for a vacation to china and any Asian countries.

    # 30 January 2010 at 7:01 PM
  • Nisha (author) said:

    Aeireck,
    Come to India, that’s all I can say. :)

    Even I am dreaming a vacation in China.

    # 30 January 2010 at 10:23 PM

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