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| Cheng Hoon Teng Temple-Melaka |
Cheng
Hoon Teng Temple is one of the most notable landmarks in Malacca. Set near the
Hindu temple Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar along Jalan Hang Lekiu (in Jonker Street)
this Chinese temple is billed as the oldest Buddhist place of worship in the
country. Built in 1646, it is also known as the ‘Merciful Cloud Temple’. The
temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. A black, gold and red-robed
statue of the goddess stands in the central prayer hall. Cheng Hoon Teng temple
was constructed by Chan Lak Koa, son-in-law to Captain Li, Malacca’s second
Chinese kapitan (a mediatory position created by the Dutch East India Company
which made it possible for a non-white to govern Malacca’s diverse ethnic
communities.)
Apparently
a fortune teller was consulted for advice on the location and construction of
Captain Li’s grave: allegedly a grave deeper than three feet would benefit Li’s
son-in-law, Chan Lak Koa, while a shallower grave would bring prosperity to his
son. Whether intended or not, the grave was made three-and-a-half feet deep,
and Chan Lak Koa’s relative success after his father-in-law’s death motivated
him to construct the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple as an expression of gratitude for
his success.
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