sommvacay2016 / Our Somm Life / Page 3

the final day three post.

feeing refreshed from the icy bubbles that quenched our dry throats, we set out to fulfill the remainder of our spiritual conquest. the streets leading to Arulgimu Rajamariamman Devasthanam were adorned with bright white and yellow flowers that spray freshness into the sticky air, gifts for the Hindu gods.

when we reached the temple, we were delighted to find it open to those of us who were traveled and hot and weak and weary.

we removed our shoes and washed our feet, reading ourselves to enter this holy place.

the mixed fragrance of incense and flowers dissipated into the rising heat waves as we entered the sanctuary. touring Chinese students were gracefully seated in the main temple as we wandered among the gods.

the intricacy of detail was impressive, hours of hand carved imagery, layered in delicate paints, are used to depict the honored deities.

a much larger temple then imagined, I lost count of how many altars were present, for the breathtaking beauty of it all was overwhelming to the soul.

the peacefulness challenged us as the sun shined directly into our hearts.

we said a prayer to the universe as we silently closed our eyes in unison with the earth.

(this was her favorite, Rhea said, because she had so many arms to help others.)

as we retreated from this holy place, we rang the bells in the exuberance of our peaceful minds, peaceful hearts, and peaceful souls. we were now whole, leaving in love.

shaanti, shaanti, shaanti.

Next up: Kuala Lumpur.

the dark citrus sun felt as it were directly on our backs as we walked the streets of Johor Bahru; the sweat glided off our arms and legs and ran down our faces in a sea of salt. soon, we found ourselves in front of The Old Johor Chinese Temple.

the air turned pleasant as we crossed the threshold into the sanctuary, as incense filled our throats and minds.

on the either sides of the altar, our eyes gazed upon various figures. as a diverse Malaysia emerged, 19th century Chinese immigrants of Johor who practiced folklore found they worshipped contrary gods. although culture and dialect was varied, prayers were not. so the Old Johor Chinese Temple was a common sanctuary to worship the five named deities of the region.

the original iron bell installed in the temple still stands adjunct to the chancel, a proud artifact of the bell ringers of today. (and, they love to take photos with red-headed tourists.)

every year at The Annual Chingray, each of the deities is hoisted above the crowds, flacked by paper dragons and fragile red lanterns and crowds in the tens of thousands.

plaques adorning the outer walls of the temple still hang in the accompanying museum, a flickering light reminding us of the passing time, the heritage that makes up the increasingly complex and diverse culture of Malaysia.

as we made our way towards the exit, we stopped to observe the shrines so lovingly adored by their followers. a young couple lit their incense and bowed in fastidious motion toward their respective God. a wave of peace overwhelmed us as we stepped back into the putrid streets.

the heat melted our sky-scraping emotions. alas, fizzy drink stop.

next up: Hindu dreams. Selamat Malam, friends.

wine. food. family.

Tag Archives: sommvacay2016

Malaysia Day Three, Part III: Hindu Heaven.

Malaysia Day Three, Part II: a sea of red at The Old Johor Chinese Temple.