In the tropics, buildings are often made from wood, hence we do not see many relics around, especially historical buildings. To have one dated before 1700 is incredible. To have it in perfect condition is awesome. Cheng Hoon Teng has to be incontournable for anyone visiting Malacca for it is the oldest temple not only in Melaka, but also in the entire country: founded in 1685!
I know this temple not from the tourist map but because my wife's family obligations: every festival and CNY, we have to be there for ancestor worship. My wife's grandfather and ancestors' tablets are kept in this temple (she is a nyonya, a real one). What is the most striking feature of this temple is the gilded carved wooden panels and awnings adorning every imaginable nooks and crannies of the temple. Even better, the temple is located in guess what: temple street! This street not only has the oldest Chinese Kuan Yin temple, it also has the oldest Hindu temple and mosque, all on the same street in a neat row. I think people past were definitely more liberal than today. Points to ponder for every Malaysian.
I know this temple not from the tourist map but because my wife's family obligations: every festival and CNY, we have to be there for ancestor worship. My wife's grandfather and ancestors' tablets are kept in this temple (she is a nyonya, a real one). What is the most striking feature of this temple is the gilded carved wooden panels and awnings adorning every imaginable nooks and crannies of the temple. Even better, the temple is located in guess what: temple street! This street not only has the oldest Chinese Kuan Yin temple, it also has the oldest Hindu temple and mosque, all on the same street in a neat row. I think people past were definitely more liberal than today. Points to ponder for every Malaysian.
Inside the compound at the main facade.
Lattice-work bricks shaped like a moon on a wall.
Intricate porcelain details on the exterior wall.
At the back yard of the temple where tablets are kept for ancestral worship.
A rock garden and an entrance to the private quarters of the temple keepers.
Part of a pair of carved gilded words on a door.
The gilded facade.
Interesting and ornate panels of the front entrance.
Huge gilded door panels. They are left au naturel, unlike those kept under glass panels in Penang.
A panel with bas-relief of a tiger and cub.
Smoky...as worshipers throng the temple offering incense.
The plaque.
A pair of sculpted lion guarding the door. Their gilded heads rubbed down to the red lacquer layer by temple visitors.
Some explanations on the years...for the 'tai sui', years that classes with the reigning zodiac thus offering to the gods is eminent.
A plaque outside the temple gate explaining history...
Exterior view of the temple: principal entrance
The ornate roof that tells many mythical stories...
An ornate eave...
View from the temple opposite the road. Observe the pagoda shaped minaret of the mosque on the extreme left...
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