Entree Kibbles: Nam Thien Temple (南亭寺) - Home of the 善財童子 @ Muar, Johor [Malaysia]

Said to be the most popular temple in the district of Muar at the Malaysian state of Johor, Nam Thien Temple (南亭寺) is a religious abode that appeared in the middle of nowhere.

My relatives who had visited before told us it was a super crowded place before the pandemic, and street hawkers would line the dirt paths. Improvement works took place during the pandemic although the visitor number had yet to reach its pre-pandemic peak.

The improvement also included the rebuilding of the main temple, which was caught in a big fire back in March 2020. Interestingly, the roof didn't collapse and the statue of the main deity remained intact, with no trace of it being burnt / scorched.

Here was its present look - new, clean, airy, and with the comfortable breeze, the calming blue sky and the relaxing music broadcasted; it was such a comfortable vibe!

Two distinctly different religions; Taoism and Buddhism, yet they were commonly practiced together, which is known as syncretic religion. At my parents' place, we used to place statues from both religions on the altar.

Devotees buying the offerings. I am not deeply religious and would usually refrain from buying those offerings as I honestly didn't think burning paper money and incense sticks would gain me merits, although others are free to have their own interpretation. Not a matter for me to judge.

Same goes for lighting candles!

Statue of the monkey king, a legendary character in the Chinese novel, Journey to the West. While the novel was somewhat based on historical events, it's fascinating how humans can elevate a pseudo character into a figure of faith.

Main hall; so spacious.

Again the use of candles, this time on the altar tables. I understand there are psychological benefits to buying something that can 'physically' reflect your devotion and / or sincerity; for me, I would have preferred to donate for the upkeep of the temple. From the temple's point of view, however, it's more 'profitable' to sell such items though.

Even though the patron deity is 善財童子 (boy of wealth), he's never honored individually and came as a package with the Goddess of Mercy and the Dragon Girl. p.s. I can't differentiate which is the boy and which is the girl.

At the sides would be the Monkey King (again), and the Goddess of Seas.

Gone were the days of holding on to individual cup of divination sticks (also known as fortune sticks)! This version is so much easier; and takes lesser space. Only thing is that you don't hear the sounds of people shaking the cup, causing the tens of sticks from hitting the bottom and sides of the cup.

Ask your question (mentally), pick out a stick, bring it to the altar, ask the deities if this would be the correct one, and then use the moon blocks to determine whether it is a yes or no from the deities.

If it's a yes, go back to the container and take out the oracle paper corresponding to the number on the divination stick. Should your Chinese be good, you can interpret the message yourself. If not, seek the help from the temple; a fee might be charged.

Incense paper burner; from the look of it, it wasn't affected by the 2020 fire. Anyway, the one thing I didn't agree with was the burning of paper, even though it often gives devotees a peace of mind.

A memorial hall that was closed.

I didn't know what to make out of this statue. It's like two birds but one bird's beak was in another bird's. Was there any reason for this or purely a creative gesture by the maker?

The simple, tiny pond that could have benefited from an expansion! The swaying willow trees and the sound of water were therapeutic though.

Water fountain on an artificial turf.

Maybe because of Feng Shui (geomancy).

Buddhist section of Nam Thien Temple (南亭寺); it was spared from the fire in 2020 and totally worth a visit as there were many vintage elements, ranging from tiles to even light switches. Click here for the pictures.

Love shopping? There's a souvenir shop next to the Buddhist section, where you can sample and get your hands on local food souvenirs! Those who were waiting for their family and friends to finish praying can also get some drinks here. Check out my post here.

Check out the short video here. :)