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Monday, February 20, 2012

Penang Island - The Pearl of the Orient

KEK LOK SI TEMPLE

It was an opportune time to visit the Kek Lok Si Temple (Temple of Supreme Bliss) in Penang when I was there in early January this year. The temple which is more than 100 years old, was undergoing a make-over for the Chinese New Year, and the decorations gave the temple grounds a grand, festive look.

 

The seven-storeyed Pagoda of Rama VI is the largest in Malaysia, measuring 100 feet high. It was completed in 1930. There are 10,000 alabaster and bronze Buddha statues displayed here.






a draft of mercy
from the buddhas' open palms
breathe in blessed breeze 








illusion of mind
 incense smoke curls heavenwards
prayers sent above


The statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, was added in the year 2002.
 


Turtles which are a symbol of longevity and endurance,are brought here to the Liberation Pond, to be sacred turtles. 


Just fabulous...can't imagine how magical it would look all lit up at night!



In the temple
time stands still
timeless and abiding
guardian and custodian
providing solace and support
offering divine healing 
to troubled devotees
from far and near

In the temple
with timely intervention
lives are salvaged 
from wreck and ruin
spirits are lifted 
from the doldrums of despair
sacred blessings in hallowed halls
sanctified mercy for us all.



Linking to:


W4W
Sensational Haiku Wednesday
Poets Rally
Watery Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday
Share The Joy Thursday
Skywatch Friday
Haiku Heights
Haiku My Heart
Poetry Picnic


20 comments:

  1. A beautiful festive look for the Chinese New Year.

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    1. New coat of paint and all...wonderful timing on my part, going there at that time!
      Rosie

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  2. such a beautiful temple. i visited this place during night time and the place is so wonderfully lit up at night.

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    Replies
    1. I saw your photos of the Kek Lok Si at night, beautiful sight!!!
      Rosie

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  3. Replies
    1. Yes, all the reds and the "wishing ribbons" are great for photographing.
      Rosie

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  4. Beautiful poems and what a stunning collage of images. I love the turtle shot. Turtles are my favorite! Enjoyed my visit here.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting. Those turtles were huge. Must have lived a long, long time!
      Rosie

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  5. Your words and photos are incredible. You have so much talent in so many ways. Penang Island is a colorful and festive place. The Chinese New Year brings such color and beauty to places already filled with both.I love your words on Time. Thank you for posting.

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    1. Thank you, Donna. Temples are places which have the atmosphere of timelessness. Your prompt of "Time" was perfect for my post, and I enjoyed writing the poem.
      Rosie

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  6. a majestic temple, so beautiful, and photos are superb. i love the lanterns and the details on this temple. i wonder what a "swastika" sign on Buddha's chest means.

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    1. Hi Luna, thank you for visiting. FYI, the sign is a symbol used in Hinduism and Buddhism to represent auspiciousness and eternity.
      Rosie

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  7. The colors are amazing in these photos and places. Thanks for the tour!

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  8. I'm so glad I came here through W4W. What colorful images! Just beautiful. And I can feel the peace and serenity there, too. Truly incredible.

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    1. I'm glad too, and I enjoyed reading your take on Time as the 4th dimension in a garden. I'm following your blog, as I love roses too.
      Rosie

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  9. Everything is very colorful in that area, and your photos are so vividly detailed and beautifully composed. I smiled when even the distant rooftops are colorful too, then I almost expected that the turtles are colored as well, but no! haha.

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    Replies
    1. Andrea, I shall look out for coloured turtles to photograph for you! Glad you noticed the angles I used in some of the photos.
      Rosie

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  10. What a divinely fanciful place!

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  11. A beautiful and spritual post Rosie

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