As the full moon rises on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar, falling between January and February by the Gregorian calendar, the streets of Malaysia come alive in a riot of colours. It is a time of great faith, when the Hindu population of Malaysia gather to show their reverence for Lord Murugan, an honoured son of Shiva. It is, of course, the festival of Thaipusam.
In the wee hours of the morning, the streets of Kuala Lumpur (and other cities) are filled with thousands of devout pilgrims, ready to cheer a great silver-plated chariot on its journey towards the focus of celebrations – Batu Caves. This may be a spiritual journey, but it’s one that never fails to wow those who rise early to witness it.
This is a wonderful time of year in Malaysia, a vibrant, dynamic example of a nation where different religions exist side-by-side. Parades and rituals are held throughout the country, people of the Hindu faith gather to celebrate Lord Murugan while others watch, enjoying the sights and sounds of this religious festival.
Asean is a deeply spiritual region, and home to people of many faiths. So make a trip to some wonderful locations where the spiritual meets the physical. Here’s a guide to some stunning sacred locations in Asean.
Indonesia offers a wonderful world of faith to explore, with its rich cultural history of great temples and ancient places of worship. The most recognisable is Borobudur in Yogyakarta in central Java. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries, and lovingly restored in the 1970s, this temple offers visitors the chance to enjoy one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world.
Borobudur at sunrise, Indonesia. Photo: GoAsean
Indonesia’s next great offering is anything but plain. The Prambanan Temple Compounds, also located in Yogyakarta, provide an amazing vista of 10th century religious architecture, and the country’s largest temple dedicated to Shiva.
Prambanan, like Borobudur, draws great crowds during the holiday and tourist season, so if you prefer a little more solitude, then make your way to quieter, nearby temples such as Mendut or Plao-san. If the reverence of sunset is more your spiritual style, you can enjoy the beauty of the last light over Yogyakarta from the hilltop views at Ijo Temple.
Walking in the footsteps of faith at Thaipusam. Photo: GoAsean
As the world’s most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia also offers a fascinating insight into the early days of Islam in the region. Demak Great Mosque in Central Java is thought to be one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, originating in the 15th century. The Sultanate of Demak is considered the first major Muslim state in the region – now known as modern Indonesia – which played a pivotal role in the spread of the religion. The mosque is an example of classic Javanese architecture and provides the chance for visitors to walk in the footsteps of the early Muslim figures in South-East Asia.
The fascinating realm where spirituality and architecture meet provides some truly outstanding wonders; the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty in Vietnam is one of them. Built entirely in accordance with feng shui principles, this 14th century citadel is a remnant of the fledgling neo-Confucianism era in the country at that time.
Land of temples – Bagan, Myanmar. Photo: GoAsean
This great citadel is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, on an axis designed to join the Tuong Son and Don Son mountains, situated on a plain between the Ma and Buoi rivers in Vinh Loc District, in Thanh Hoa Province, in Vietnam’s North Central Coast region. The dedication to feng shui and the principles of geometric design add an almost spiritual element of science to this temple.
The My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam is a tribute to Hinduism. My Son, or “beautiful mountain”, offers the remains of a stunning monument to faith built over a staggering 1,000 years. This complex was the religious and political capital of the highly influential Champa Kingdom. And flowing past the monuments is the sacred Thu Bon river. Located in the jungles about an hour from Hoi An, this amazing spiritual home is one which truly deserves its name.
Wherever the spirit takes you, enjoy the beauty of a journey through Asean.
Source: https://www.star2.com/travel/asia-oceania/2016/01/31/goasean-spiritual-wonders-of-asean/
