HERE ARE THE TOP 3 ATTRACTIONS OF JOHORE BARU LOCATED IN AND NEAR THE CITY CENTRE
THE SULTAN ABU BAKAR MOSQUE
The graceful and majestic Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
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
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
The central altar is dedicated to the patron deities of the Hainanese, Teochew and Cantonese
Zhao da Yuan Shuai, patron deity of the Hainanese
Hong Xian Da Di, patron deity of the Hokkiens
Yuan Tian Shang Di, patron deity of the Teochews
Hua Guang Da Di, patron deity of the Cantonese
GanTian Da Di, patron deity of the Hakka
THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF THE 5 PATRON DEITIES OF THE 5 MAIN DIALECT GROUPS
A life-sized deity at the left door
Deity at right door
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
Built circa 1870 this small temple is the most famous and important Chinese temple located in the heart of Johore Baru
Seen from the pavement of Jalan Trus, the Old Chinese Temple seems part of a modern highrise
THE ARULMIGU SRI RAJAKALIAMMAN GLASS TEMPLE
The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is the one of its kind in the world inlaid entirely of coloured glass
From the outside, one can already see the coloured glass sparkling like diamonds
Entrance to Glass Temple
Temple attendant opening the skylight to allow the natural rays to stream inside
The main shrine where a deity is being bathed as part of daily ritual
Side view of main shrine
Smaller shrines by the wall. The RM 3 million Glass Temple was inlaid with coloured glass pieces by Burmese craftsmen
Vishnu
Shiva
Brahma
Dramatic interplay of light and reflections of the rays from polished floor
Statue of Jesus Christ near the skylight where natural afternoon rays stream in
Statue of Buddha gazes serenely at the dramatic streams of afternoon light streaming inside
Sai Baba
There are 10 statues of gods, gurus and saints including Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism and also Jesus Christ, Buddha and even Mother Theresa
Mother Theresa
Bhagawan Sridi Sai Baba
Kee Hua Chee in a mirrored reflection
Kee Hua Chee taking a photo of himself in the wall mirror
Prayers and fire are lit to offer Divine Mother Sri Raja Kaliamman in the glorious manifestation of the goddess Kali
The goddess Kali trampling on a demon
This is one of the most powerful Shakti Peedam in the world. Pray to the Divine Mother and She will grant your wishes
The glittering pavilion inside the Glass Temple that is unique in the world
The main shrine inside Glass Temple
The truly splendid interiors
Musicians play in honour of Goddess Kali
The ceilings are also lavishly decorated with coloured glass
I could not stop admiring the spectacular interiors of Glas Temple that is truly one of a kind on earth!
The entrance is just as stunningly decorated
I took one last look of great admiration before I left reluctantly
View of Glass Temple's interior from entrance
The fading evening light casts a dramatic interplay of orange and yellow tones on the inlaid glass pieces!
Ganesha, the remover of obstacles
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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