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. :) 

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Address

Jalan Dato Koh Thian Peng, Parit Unas, 

Johor, 84150 Muar, Malaysia

Map

As above. 

Temple Map

As above (in Chinese).

Click here for my itinerary for this day trip to Batu Pahat (Yong Peng) and Muar in Johore, Malaysia! 

Buddhist Section for the Nam Thien Temple @ Muar, Johor [Malaysia]

The Buddhist section for the famous Nam Thien Temple at Muar wasn't damaged in the year 2020 fire that consumed the main Taoist structure and given that one is now older than the other; I thought it's better to dedicate a separate posting.

Lanterns have the ability to transform the boring look of a simple temple! With them fluttering in the breeze, it was both a sight and a mental relaxant. 

Stepping in for a closer look; notice the old school sectional metal gates that acted as a door when the temple closes for the day? That's maybe popular in the 70-80s; it was common in those days when I was still a kid. 

Front altar honored the Goddess of Mercy. It wasn't the statues that appealed to me though; it's the retro terrazzo flooring and the mosaic-tiled pillars and walls! 

Going to the back of annex. 

Multiple sets of sectional metal gates! 

Joss sticks urn. I noted the second floor and wondered the curious persona in me didn't attempt to find out the staircase leading to the upper level. To be frank, we weren't allocated sufficient time in this day trip tour to Batu Pahat (Yong Peng) and Muar.

Main altar with a big statue of Shakyamuni Buddha! 

Specially constructed tables surrounding the base of the sitting Buddha. I bet they would be used for a lot of offerings during important Buddhist holidays. 

More photographs.

In the past, I assumed that the statues of this Laughing Buddha were always featured because it signifies happiness. What I realized later was that this particular monk was said to be the incarnation of Maitreya, a future Buddha said to be savior of the world in the Buddhism beliefs. 

Books and CDs for people to know more about Buddhism. I would only say that while I identify myself as Buddhist, my understanding is barely a scratch on the surface. Oh well, so long I do things without malice, don't purposely harm people / animals etc; I guess I will be fine. 

A clock stuck in the middle of ages; not as old as the pendulum kind yet not as modern as the digital ones we see nowadays. Guess this could count as an antique. p.s. it's not working.

Would those born in the 2000s know what these are?! 

They were light switches! 

To power these old fashioned lights! I used to have something similar at my parents' place and they were a pain the ass; kept spoiling and the bulbs were not cheap.

My childhood memory about these dragon pots was filling them up with water and taking a soak! It's like a Singapore version of a bath tub although these pots in the temple were smaller than the ones I used to soak in. 

Exiting the temple! 

 

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Address

Jalan Dato Koh Thian Peng, 

Parit Unas, Johor, 84150 Muar, Malaysia

Click here for my itinerary for this day trip to Batu Pahat (Yong Peng) and Muar in Johore, Malaysia!