Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

January 28th, 2006

Picture of Cheng Hoon Teng Temple at Flickr

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Melaka is the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia. It was founded in 1645 by Kapitan China Lee Wei King. Kapitan China was a position created by the Portuguese to act as an administrator of the local Chinese community.

Cheng Hoon Teng, located at the heart of Melaka Chinatown, is a premier historical monument that has survived the ravages of time. It remains the finest of Chinese temples in Malaysia - a fact underscored by an UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration. The temple is ranked among the most significant in Southeast Asia, being central to the spiritual aspirations of the Chinese community in historic Melaka.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin). This temple was constructed by skilled workers from China - master craftsmen, artisans and carpenters, who replicated the designs of the Southern Chinese temple. The building conforms strictly to the principles of Feng Shui, incorporating the fundamental belief that every aspect of life is closely related to attaining perfect harmony with nature.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is featuring one of the finest artworks hardly found in today’s modernized city. The magnificent gilded furniture, idols, carved beams, lacquer work and figures of deities are sure to surprise the visitors. Remember to load your digital camera your sufficient battery power and memory capacity before visiting Cheng Hoon Teng. Visitors often look at the roof to capture the images of unique artworks. When the sky is blue and dramatic, you will have an advantage in your photo.

In the temple, there’s also an altar for Confucius, a famous thinker and social philosopher of China. Prior to any school examination season, there will be a number of parents accompanying their children to pray at the altar, with the wish of doing well in the coming examination.

A rock faces pond with 18 Lohans, followers of Buddhism’s Eightfold Path who have achieved full spiritual fulfillment.

External Link

Official website of Cheng Hoon Teng temple

GPS Coordinate: N2.19752 E102.24692

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Entry Filed under: Historical Site, Religious

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