Monday, April 30, 2012

THE 3 MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF JOHORE BARU

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

HERE ARE THE TOP 3 ATTRACTIONS OF JOHORE BARU LOCATED IN AND NEAR THE CITY CENTRE

THE SULTAN ABU BAKAR MOSQUE
IMG_3066.JPG The graceful and majestic Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
IMG_3066.JPG The magnificent Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque was inspired by Osbourne House, the favourite palace of Queen Victoria, a good friend of Sultan Abu Bakar who called him 'my affectionate friend'

THE JOHORE OLD CHINESE TEMPLE
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 To stop the incessant squabbling among the 5 main dialect groups, the  Johore Sultan wisely ordered the construction of a temple dedicated to the patron deities of each group so they had to worship under the same roof in peace and harmony. This covenant still stands to this day
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The central altar is dedicated to the patron deities of the Hainanese, Teochew and Cantonese
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Zhao da Yuan Shuai, patron deity of the Hainanese
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Hong Xian Da Di, patron deity of the Hokkiens
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Yuan Tian Shang Di, patron deity of the Teochews
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Hua Guang Da Di, patron deity of the Cantonese

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 GanTian Da Di, patron deity of the Hakka

THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF THE 5 PATRON DEITIES OF THE 5 MAIN DIALECT GROUPS
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A life-sized deity at the left door
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Deity at right door
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The Old Chinese Temple is dwarfed by modern highrise. It does not even have a proper name for political reasons but is sometimes called Temple of Harmony as the 5 main dialect groups have their Patron Deities here
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Built circa 1870 this small temple is the most famous and important Chinese temple located in the heart of Johore Baru
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Seen from the pavement of Jalan Trus, the Old Chinese Temple seems part of a modern highrise

THE ARULMIGU SRI RAJAKALIAMMAN GLASS TEMPLE
IMG_3154_edited.JPG The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is the one of its kind in the world inlaid entirely of coloured glass
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From the outside, one can already see the coloured glass sparkling like diamonds
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Entrance to Glass Temple
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Temple attendant opening the skylight to allow the natural rays to stream inside
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The main shrine where a deity is being bathed as part of daily ritual
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Side view of main shrine
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Smaller shrines by the wall. The RM 3 million Glass Temple was inlaid with coloured glass pieces by Burmese craftsmen
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Vishnu
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Shiva
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Brahma
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Dramatic interplay of light and reflections of the rays from polished floor
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 Statue of Jesus Christ near the skylight where natural afternoon rays stream in
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Statue of Buddha gazes serenely at the dramatic streams of afternoon light streaming inside
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Sai Baba
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There are 10 statues of gods, gurus and saints including Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism and also Jesus Christ, Buddha and even Mother Theresa
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Mother Theresa
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Bhagawan Sridi Sai Baba
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Kee Hua Chee in a mirrored reflection
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Kee Hua Chee taking a photo of himself in the wall mirror
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Prayers and fire are lit to offer Divine Mother Sri Raja Kaliamman in the glorious manifestation of the goddess Kali
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The goddess Kali trampling on a demon
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This is one of the most powerful Shakti Peedam in the world. Pray to the Divine Mother and She will grant your wishes
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The glittering pavilion inside the Glass Temple that is unique in the world
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The main shrine inside Glass Temple
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The truly splendid interiors
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Musicians play in honour of Goddess Kali
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The ceilings are also lavishly decorated with coloured glass
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I could not stop admiring the spectacular interiors of Glas Temple that is truly one of a kind on earth!
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The entrance is just as stunningly decorated
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I took one last look of great admiration before I left reluctantly
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View of Glass Temple's interior from entrance
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The fading evening light casts a dramatic interplay of orange and yellow tones on the inlaid glass pieces!
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Ganesha, the remover of obstacles
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Sinnathamby Sivasamy, chairman of Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman Glass Temple who initiated the construction of this unique glass temple which is the only one of its kind in the world and cost RM 3 million. Entrance is RM 10 and RM 3 for taking photo

 THE END

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