Paloh Khoo Miu Temple ...Ipoh .Part 3... the prayer area ..relics and the roof top.

Inside the temple........ as you walk towards the altar these ceremonial instruments ( lances?) line the way on both sides. This is the front prayer hall .
This greeting tablet originated from China and it faces toward the altar.
Another view of the altar.
This is the inner altar where the principal deity of Tai Pak Koong is placed
Some of the ritual vessels in front of the inner altar.

These instruments have nice designs on them. Think it resembles feng shui symbols.
Isn't this the design of the eternal knot with the wu loh.
A symbol of yin and yang ?
At the side of the temple the committee has a 'Hall of Historical Relics' where they placed all of their statues in glass cabinets for display. Is that a golden tortoise there...

Looks like a water color painting of the temple there.


I enjoyed looking at the laughing buddha. Makes you want to smile.
We will proceed to view the roof top. Below is the overview of the temple.Pls note 1) the flat roof ridge ...2) the vertical beams on either side of the roof..with the lions perched on the top and 3) the wood border immediately under the roof tiles.
1) the flat roof ridge ( this is a cantonese design) ....with elaborately designed figures . I've taken six photos of them in sequence from the left to the right wall.
..the fish tail writhing..there are 2 of them...is said to be swimming against the current which is a symbol of the importance of hard work.
..in the center is the 'celestial pearl' ..was told that ' it represents the the sun and the male yang force '




2) these figurines are on the left and right beams .



Below is an idea of what the wooden borders below the roof tiles look like. These are wood carvings.
The temple committe. Second from the left is the temple President Mr Ho Fah See.
On the morning i went to the temple the committee had invited the chinese dailies for a press statement regarding their 135th anniversary. Although i told them i was not with the press they still handed me a prepared memo which i have posted below.
It is a good summary of the growth of the temple. Actually its like the temple and Ipoh grew up together. I noted some interesting points like ...the deity was brought to Paloh in a boat from Telok Intan ..wow that is upriver all the way..no engine but poling all the way upriver!!
Also note the names of Yau Tet Shin and Lau Pak Kuan.


Walking thru this temple is like a lesson on Ipoh culture.

Cheers.

Paloh Khoo Miu Temple...part 2. the courtyard and entrance.

Before i take you into the temple i will show you the courtyard. Directly opposite the front entrance a wishing pond with a dragon has been erected. It is not fully completed but already looks grand.Lotus flowers are growing in the pond.
The dragon of the wishing pond.
Before the entrance is an outdoor altar carved from a single slab of black marble. Was told it weighs 6 tons.
This pair of playful looking lions were on either side of the front entrance.


This hanging ' boat' was on top of the entrance.
This 'boat' has a pair of phoenix on either side.
There were lots of figurines inside and it resembled scenes from a chinese opera.
Once you enter the temple take a look at the left and right doors. These two figures are painted on the door.


Next: Part 3 will show you the prayer area , Hall of Historical Relics and the the Roof outside.

cheers.

Paloh Khoo Miu Temple - an 135 year old Ipoh Temple

This is the first photograph I took of this temple Paloh Khoo Miu. I've lived in Ipoh all my life and didn't realise there was a temple here at the Peoples Park grounds next to the old town side of Hugh Low Street bridge until Chinese New Year this year after i read about it in Ipoh Forum, a local website.I was here for a book launch entitled 'Random Notes on Ipoh and its Surroundings' written by Mr Choo Choong Yin a local writer.I thought it was a novel idea to launch a book about old Ipoh stories at a temple so i went along.By the way i don't read chinese nor do i speak mandarin. Very kay por huh.Anyway ,I was surprised. The launch was at a hall at the side after you enter the temples prayer area. It was a lovely hall with plastered ceiling and air con. Old setting and modern facilites.Good blend.
I did't listen long and wandered outside.This temple had all the usual furniture. It was the outer building that interested me. It wasn't big but it had these murals on the wall with nice details.
Notice this mural on the left.
This is a close up. Looks real neat.Nice colors. I'm surprised it hasn't faded after a hundred years.Then i remembered this is the temple with the decorative roof.
True enough. This is the oldest temple in Ipoh with the 'celestial pearl' in the center of the roof.The roof itself is a work of art. I was in a hurry and decided to come back again.What i found out later about this temple is a wonderful heritage story that has grown alongside and together with Ipoh City.
Don't take my word for it. View the photo below and make the comparison. The main building hasn't really changed at all. Note the celestial pearl against the backdrop of the coconut trees. Cool huh. Its no wonder they held a book launch here.

Next : More cool photos of the temple..part 2.