Tuesday 30 July 2019

MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR - PLACE OF WORSHIP

1. MASJID NEGARA
Masjid Negara or the National Mosque is the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It has a unique stylised, star shaped dome representing the 13 states f Malaysia and the 5 pillars of Islam. Its 73 meter high minaret stands impressively against the skyline. Within its beautifully landscaped grounds are pools and fountains. Visitors are required to be appropriately dressed while visiting he mosque.Robes and headscarves will be provided for ladies.

2. MASJID WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN
Situated on  hillock, this mosque was inspired by 16th century Ottoman architecture . It boasts 22 beautiful domes of various sizes. Its location within  a well manicured garden and surrounded by a most, makes it a sight to behold. The mosque is able to accommodate 17000 worshippers at any time.

3. THEAU HOU TEMPLE
Situated on a hillock, this magnificent Chinese Temple has golden roofed pagodas and strings of lanterns. Located inside are 3 majestic statues of deities, including the main deity Thean Hou. The ornate architecture and scenic surroundings lend a serene atmosphere to the temple. Within its grounds are statues of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. In the basement area, shops sell a variety of items such as woodcarvings and other decorative pieces.

4. SZE YA TEMPLE
This is the oldest Taoist temple in the city with a history dating back ti 1864. Built by Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy, one of the founding fathers of Kuala Lumpur, it features an ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges. The temple pays tribute to the deities, Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya,The oracles of the former were said to have guided Yap Ah Loy during the Selangor Civil War. Its rather unusual position behind several shop houses is believed to have been determined by geomancy or feng shui, creating an unusual angle of the walls, arches and stairways.

5. SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN TEMPLE
This stunning Hindu temple is one of the oldest and most elaborate in the country. Its magnificent 22 metre high gate tower and portico are adorned with intricately carved images of Hindu deities.Located within are the deities of the Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman embellished with gold and precious stones. Take in the sights and sounds from peddlers selling strings of jasmine garlands to aromatic incense filling the air.

6. CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN
This is a fine examples of early English Gothic architecture featuring beautiful stained glass windows, tasselled tile paving and buttresses. The laying of the foundation stone was carried out in 1894 by the British Resident, WH Treacher.  Its design was proposed by AC Norman, a government architect. Of interest here is a pipe organ built in 1895 by Henry Wills, regarded as one of the grea organ builders of his day.

7. MASJID JAMEK
This mosque occupies a historic location at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak River, the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1909, this is the city's oldest surviving mosque and was offically opened by the then Sultan of Selangor. Its design was inspired by Mogul architecture in northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades while a 70 feet dome surmounts the prayer hall. Masjid Jamek was the city's principal mosque until the opening of the National Mosque in 1965.

8. MASJID INDIA
Just minutes away from Masjid Jamek is Masjid India. Built in the southern Indian style, this mosque is a 3 storey structure with onion -domed chatris ( open sided umbrella shaped cupolas) as well as arched windows with Islamic motifs. This mosque was first built in 1863 as a wooden hut and underwent several renovations. The present structure was opened by the Sultan of Selangor in 1966 and can accommodate 3500 worshippers. The first floor is for men while the second floor is reserved for women.

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