The ASEAN Hive community is hosting a challenge where you are required to write about a temple or a place of worship.

Chinese temples are sacred places, where people come to pay their respects and make offerings to the gods. The architecture of a Chinese temple can vary widely, but whatever its form, it's always rich in symbolism. In addition, Chinese temples are also full of history. When the Chinese settled down in an area, of the first things that they do is to build a temple, no matter how small the temple is.

This is certainly the case with the temple at the Batu Kawah Bazaar. The Bazaar was built more than 100 years old, and at that time there were around 20 units of 2-storey wooden shophouses. A small temple was built at that time. As the community prospered, major renovations have been undertaken to upgrade the temple.

Present day Batu Kawah Bazaar. The wooden shophouses have been upgraded to concrete ones.

This block of shophouses has undergone less renovation and as such looks are more similar to old shophouses.

The temple is located strategically next to the river. It offers protection not only to those who are on land but also to those using the river. In the olden days, a river is a major form of transportation.

Before the construction of this bridge, the only way to reach Batu Kawah Bazaar and the temple was by boat.

The grand entrance to the temple.

The colorful roof of the temple has many sculptures such as dragons, phoenixes, and other mythological creatures

In Chinese mythology, dragons represent good luck and prosperity. It is common to see dragons in temples everywhere.

The main altar of the temple is also flanked by two dragons, one each on the left and right.

A close-up of the main altar.

Besides the main altars, there are also other smaller altars. Again these are also flanked by two dragons.

There is also an altar with a large incense pot facing the river. The temple will also offer protection for those using the river.

Beautiful lanterns adorn the ceiling of the temple. You can also see drawings of dragons, phoenixes, and other mythological creatures.

Throughout the temple, you can see beautiful paintings on ceramic tiles.

Kwan Yin—a goddess who represents mercy and compassion for all beings on earth. Her story is fascinating: she was born from a lotus flower growing out of a lake where Buddha himself once sat down to rest.

A statue of the three gods can also be found in the compound of the temple.

There are many beautiful murals in the temple, each depicting the stories of the various gods.

An inctricate incense holder with beautiful cravings.

A beautiful Chinese pavillon in the compound of the temple.

It has been a wonderful visit. I am more of a spiritual person rather a religious person. I do enjoy visiting places of worship, even those that are of different beliefs from me. I believe that we should respect all religions and cultures.
[//]:# (!pinmapple 1.507583 lat 110.268663 long ASEAN Hive Temple Challenge: Temple By The River d3scr)