Saturday, October 08, 2005

Perumal Temple

Little that i know, what really is going on, when i follow Vikki, Siva's elder brother for a evening prayer. But at first, i was completely stunned by what i saw: Sri Sundaraja Perumal temple, Klang, dressed in full lighting suit.


Often regard as Tirupati of South East Asia, this 110 years old Hindu temple attract devotees from all walks of life, be it Indian or Chinese, young and old.

Much to my favour, the temple is rather crowded today, as Deepavali is around the corner. It's such a good sight to see, hundreds of devotees walking around, praying sincerely for the well being of their families.


Kid, praying tribute to God Vinayagar

Not to mention the smells of the joysticks, Jasmine flowers, burning oil with devotees in their traditional clothing, showing their respect to the God. Sorry to say that i didn't really dressed up the the occation, as it was a last minute decision.

Siva - - she could have come back earlier! While i was starving, alone with Vikki in the house, and he is heading out! But now, i actually felt glad that Siva didn't return home early!


Vikki, all lights up the God of 9 planet

I followed Vikki's move, which is quite a routine for him, i guess. It was really nice to have him with me, since i need someone to answer my questions! And being perhaps the only Chinese here make me feel just as odd as the rest who are looking at me (or it's just me?), and i'm with a camera! I try my best not to disturb him duirng the prayers (or when i think he's praying!).

Then, Vikki tell me he's going to walk 9 circles around the God for the 9 planet, with the last 2 circles anti-clockwise (why? Help me with this!).

"You can wait for me if you don't want to do so."

Well, i didn't come here to wait, and there must be some reason why everyone is doing it, even though Vikki didn't explain much that time.

"It's ok, Vikki, you lead the way!"


9 circle for the 9 God

After we completed the 9 circles, to which i lost count, we then circle the flowers given to us on top of our head three times, before leaving it to the wall. Vikki said I could have use the flowers to count the circles as we walk, dumping a flower on the floor for each cirle.

And yes, flowers are everywhere in the temple, all kinds. Just so colourful and beautiful!

Later, Vikki told me that he was paying tribute to God Shani, one of the most feared by Hindus. It's believe that eveyone owe seven and a half year of "occupation" by God Shani, where it might be our worse period of our lifetime, biggest challenge of all.

The 9 circle, suppose to show our repect to the 9 Gods, as they will empower during the different stages of our life. And of course, God Shani will bring nothing but hard time for us, as we, in a way, sinful.

I pray for the best for both of us.

10 Comments:

At 4:40 AM, Blogger YD said...

I remember once I stumbled into an Indian temple and observed the people circling the Gods. Yet I wasn't aware that there are 9 circles to be completed! Thanks for sharing the culture!

I miss Malaysia... its diversity, its multi-culture. Ramadhan has started too, soon it would be various celebrations, gosh that really made me miss home!

 
At 9:27 AM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

You're always welcome, YD!

Suddenly i felt guilty, for causing the huge stir of nostalgia in you, hehe :p There is a time when you'll be back, but for now learn well and enjoy ok :)

Nice new "look"! >_<

 
At 10:13 AM, Blogger Pandabonium said...

Interesting post and pictures. So colorful. How fascinating to live in a place with such cultural diversity. That is an aspect of Hawaii that I liked very much.

 
At 11:43 AM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

Thanks, i really had a good night then! I am sure i will like Hawaii style the same :)

But sadly, and again, not everyone thinks like me. Some don't realize that you can busy making money and appreciate and respect the cultural diversity around us in the same time. It's a two separate matters anyway!

We'll make 9 circle when you're here ok, hehe!

 
At 7:59 PM, Blogger S said...

great post. here's to hoping the planets are happy with ur devotion and 9 circles around them - so they bring you all good luck!

 
At 11:48 PM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

Thanks, s. I just have to trust you on this, when i look into your "single" eye...(ok, not too related, haha) :) I will do another 9 circle, pretty soon, i guess? :p

 
At 12:59 AM, Blogger Emi-Eliza said...

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hey, you have kinda interesting blog :). Your pictures really show live stories.

It reminded me how wonderful to be a malaysian.

 
At 10:21 AM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

Thanks to you, too!

Hmmm, live stories because i am still alive???? Haha!!

And yes, it's really wonderful, to be a Malaysian. Now, it's all up to us to preserve and protect our identity :p

 
At 12:57 PM, Blogger Lrong Lim said...

I like visitng Indian temples too... very 'mystical' to me... good pics...

 
At 3:33 PM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

Mystical, if we don't understand them :p But it always ended up with more and more questions! haha!

 

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