Malaysia Images

Ancient Currency - Tin Ingots

2007-05-31T08:54:00.000+08:00

These are 'black tin' used by the ancient traders as a currency after barter trading became less popular. It was exhibited by the Malaysian National Museum.

Tanjung Simpang Merayau Wreck

2007-05-31T08:14:00.000+08:00

These were found on the Tanjung Simpang Merayau wreck. Exquisite pottery that looks similarly Chinese. These artifacts are being exhibited at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Turiang Wreck

2007-05-30T08:13:00.000+08:00

These were found from the Turiang wreck. They are now exhibited at the National Museum.

Imperial seal from the Nanhai Wreck

2007-05-29T22:10:00.000+08:00

One of the most lavish wrecks the Nanhai, yielded this imperial seal. The artifact is being exhibited at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Ivory - Salvaged From Wreck

2007-05-28T22:09:00.000+08:00

An elephant's tusk, ivory, was found in one of the ancient wrecks off the Malaysian waters. The artifacts are being exhibited at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Chinese Blue Floral Plates Salvaged from Diana Wreck

2007-05-27T22:07:00.000+08:00

A toy clipper was among items salvaged from the Diana Wreck. Other items included blue porcelain plates that are distinctively Chinese. These items are now being exhibited at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

More Items From Diana Wreck

2007-05-26T22:06:00.000+08:00

More items were found in the Diana Wreck located in Tangjung Kling, Malacca. The artifacts are being exhibited at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Old Bell - Diana Wreck

2007-05-26T22:04:00.000+08:00

An old bell (left) was among items found in the Diana Wreck located in Tangjung Kling, Malacca. The artifacts are being exhibited at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Terracotta Urn/Jar - Desaru Wreck

2007-05-26T22:02:00.000+08:00

This earthen jar was found on the Desaru Wreck. The exhibit is now at the Malaysian National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Unidentified Cannon Found On Wreck

2007-05-25T21:58:00.000+08:00

This was one of the artifacts that was found in a shipwreck. It was not identified.

Flower Plate - Diana Wreck

2007-05-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

This is a floral plate found on the Desaru Wreck. The exhibit is now at the Malaysian National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Bamboo Roots Craft

2007-05-12T21:32:00.000+08:00

These are bamboo roots and you know what? Malaysian craftsmen (the aborigines) have turned them into works of art (see below).

Tambusu Craft - Malaysian Hardwood

2007-05-10T21:30:00.000+08:00

The tembusu is one of the hardest Malaysian tropical woods and are often harvested for its yellow white texture to be made into chopping boards. It is very hard and can last the owner's lifetime if made into chopping board. Here local craftsmen have adapted it into yet another traditional craft.

Nature's Sponge - Loofah

2007-05-04T21:27:00.000+08:00

These are loofahs. They are a type of gourd and when matured are harvested and dried. The seeds are then removed and the fruit-vegetable skinned. When you are looking at are the fibres of the fruit-veg. It is used as a body sponge in the bathroom or a as sponge in the kitchen.

Sampoton - the bamboo musical instrument of the natives

2007-05-03T21:24:00.000+08:00

If you like panflutes, you should love the sampoton for both emit similarly haunting music. This musical instrument belongs to Sabah's aborigines. Music is made by blowing into the spout while the fingers clasp the musical holes along the sides. If I am not mistaken, it is derived from a Chinese musical equipment named 18-bamboo sticks, which looks similar but much more refined.

Putu Kachang Maker

2007-05-02T21:20:00.000+08:00

This is a pictre of a putu kachang maker at work. For those who have eaten it, putu kachang is actually mungbean biscuits. The beans are powdered and mixed with fine sugar and made into biscuits. Very nice. Very sweet!

Traditional Fabric Weaver - Weaving the Mugah Fabric

2007-04-28T06:08:00.000+08:00

This a weaving method employed by the Mugah. The patterns are simpler, almost minimal. The loom is just about the same size as any of the native Sarawakians' and the weaver, unlike the European weavers, sit on the floor. This is much relaxing and good for the spines, especially for people working very long hours doing repetitive jobs.

Malay English Chess

2007-04-28T06:04:00.000+08:00

I did not believe it when I first stumble upon this set. Would you believe it? This is a Malay chess set. Or rather a Malay version of the English chess. Call it unique if you wish. Probably the first in the world. The two thatched roofs are replicas of ancient Malay palaces. Next to them are elephants which replaces the horses (Knights). The tiny pieces in front are the Malay soldiers wearing the sarongs, completed with headgear.Creativity taken a big step further, don't you think?

Bamboo Fish Traps

2007-03-30T14:01:00.000+08:00

The one on the right is a serkap or bamboon fish trap. You just drop this thing into shallow waters, remove the cap on top, and put your hands into the water to feel for any fish your trap might have caught. Not an easy thing to do, especially if your trap has caught a catfish - and yes, you will be stung! The basket-like thingy in the centre is a shrimp container. You put the shrimps caught into this container and drop teh container into the water by the side of your boat. The gaps ensure fresh water for your prawns/shrimps as you go on fishing until you decide to go home. Smart, huh?

Driftwood - There's Money In Them!

2007-03-30T14:00:00.000+08:00

Next time you stumble upon driftwood, remember this photograph. Collect them, clean them up and give them a good varnish. And you will have a work of art such as these.

Bamboo Root Sculpture

2007-03-30T13:37:00.000+08:00

You better believe your eyes - yes bamboo roots these are. And they have been made into beautiful sculptures with a nice coat of varnish.

Handmade Paper

2007-03-25T14:07:00.000+08:00

Golok - Malay Machete

2007-03-25T14:05:00.000+08:00

These are work of art in themselves. In the old days, they are weapons. Measuring between a foot to twenty inches, golok are used similarly like the machetes, for clearing undergrowth when going into the jungle. Very useful. And deadly...

Jebak Puyuh - Quail Traps - Crafting

2007-03-24T14:11:00.000+08:00

This is a dying art. This man is crafting the intricate designs on the wooden panel that will be part of the jebak puyuh - quail trap.

Jebak Puyuh - Quail Traps

2007-03-24T14:08:00.000+08:00

These look like bird cages. They are actually quail traps. A female quail is placed within the basketlike container at the back. There is a netting which is pulled-up. The female makes a loty of noise and the male comes a looking. He steps onto the trigger in front of the basket and the net falls swiftly onto him and he gets caught. How many of the males have succumbed to this one can only guess. Now that there are no more wild quails to be caught this way, the jebak puyuh remains a decorative item.

Kayu Tas - Indispensible Walking Stick

2007-03-22T14:13:00.000+08:00

There is mysticism surrounding the Kayu Tas, a native woody plant. If you carry of of these into the jungle, it is believed, even the tigers will avoid you. Why? It is believed that it is home to spirits and the wild animals would not want to mess around with someone who carries a spirit within a Kayu Tas.

Wau, Oh Wow! A Wau Bulan Craftsman

2007-03-15T13:57:00.000+08:00

His waus don't fly. They are merely decor for the living room but work is no less difficult. This craftsman is seen trimming down the bamboo slivers for the main body of the kite he was about to make.

Bronze Work - Behind The Scene Peek

2007-03-15T13:49:00.000+08:00

The cannisters at the bottom right of the photo are actually spent bullet shells. These are the main ingredient in the maing of bronze products. These are melted under high temperature and poured into a porcelain/earthen mould to shape whatever bronze products the craftsman desires. The tubes in blue at right are the bronze polish Brasso.

Mengkuang and Bamboo Containers

2007-03-15T13:35:00.000+08:00

Spotted these mengkuang and bamboo cases. The one in theforeground is a tissue box holder while the one with a strap is actually a handbag. Slivers of bamboo are woven and crafted into these beautiful handicraft.

Angklung - Malaysian Bamboo Acoustic Organ

2007-03-15T13:31:00.000+08:00

Meet the angklung, a muscial instrument played by reverberating its bamboo tubes. Each piece emits a note and is played by a huge team. This one is a modified version where all the pieces are hung and played by only one musician.

Bronze Saucepans

2007-03-13T13:47:00.000+08:00

Here are the saucepans made from bronze, close up. These are used in normal cooking and making specialities such as the durian cakes and glutinous rice cakes. Bronze saucepans are preferred because the heat distribution is uniform throughout.

Bronze Kitchen Utensils

2007-03-13T13:44:00.000+08:00

Yes, in this part of the world, bronze kitche utensils are still used. Pots, scoops and ladles as you can see in this image. I was told that they are very difficult to maintain but who says housework is easy? In the foreground are the bronze ladles used for making pancakes. Those at the background are saucepans of various sizes.

Native beadwork

2007-03-13T13:40:00.000+08:00

This elderly lady comes from Sabah. The colourful thing your see on her knees is a bead shawl worn by the natives there, if I am not mistaken, the Kadazans. Strings of colourful beads were put together to form this fascinating design.

Hauntingly Gong Music

2007-03-12T13:42:00.000+08:00

If you have listened to gong music, you would agree with me that the sound is knind of haunting. Well, here is how gongs look like. Usually made of brass, gongs are played in a series. The musician hits the protruded part with a small stick, just like you would using a finger on a piano.

Bamboo Root Sculpture Painting

2007-03-12T13:38:00.000+08:00

See what I mean? Bamboo roots turned into work of art. Trust the natives of Malaysia to come up with something this creative.

Ganesh Fountain

2007-03-08T19:17:00.000+08:00

This is a lovely sculpture for Hindu homes. Elephant God Ganesh sits over a misty pond with water pouring from four vases at the corner. Auspicious and colourful. How much? I don't know and dared not ask!

Hindu Gods Fountain

2007-03-08T19:13:00.000+08:00

These two are statues of Hindu gods made sitting atop blooming lotus. There is water surrounding them and the water flows from the top bloom to the bottom. Copied from the Chinese versions of Feng Shui fountains, the makers of these are hoping the feng shui fever would catch on among the Indians too. Look at the RM128 price tag for each - definitely a Chinese thing. The Chinese say Yat Yee Fat (128) which literally means prosperity comes easily daily. Believe it or not?

God of Prosperity - Chai Sen

2007-03-08T19:11:00.000+08:00

The Chinese love this chap for the prosperity he brings. Chai Sen or God of Prosperity, the bringer of good fortune. In this statue, designed to feng shui specifications, the Chai Sen is supposed to bring wealth if properly placed in the house - usually near the entrance of the home. The golden coloured nuggets around his feet represent ancient gold ingots the Chinese used in days of yore.

Feng Shui Clock For Good Luck

2007-03-08T19:05:00.000+08:00

This is what the Chinese call a Feng Shui clock. The word in the centre means luck while the phrases at left and right means good wishes for prosperity and good health. I wonder why the words are put on the clock face. Does it carry a second meaning? That luck is time sensitive?

Sikh Sculpture

2007-03-04T19:26:00.000+08:00

I don't know what this sculpture is but it is a fountain with inscriptions I don't understand. The symbol you see at the centre represents the Sikh faith. Can any Sikh tell me what it is called?

Krishna and Cows Statue

2007-03-04T19:24:00.000+08:00

This piece could be on the altar. Lord Krishna is shown here playing the flute with two sacred cows at his feet. A real work of art, this sculpture.

Beautiful Ganesh Statue

2007-03-04T19:21:00.000+08:00

This is another lovely electricity-operated statue of Ganesh. I am not sure if my Hindu friends would put it on the altar.

Lovely Lollipops

2007-03-01T19:32:00.000+08:00

What would you call a heart shaped lollipop? Love-ly Pops! Beautiful, aren't they? Perfect for Valentine's Day

Giant Lollipop

2007-03-01T19:30:00.000+08:00

Have not see these for quite a while. Huge lollipops that is guaranteed to satisfy the sweet toothed! Costs RM5 per piece and probably take days to finish.

Old Grammophone

2007-02-28T19:02:00.000+08:00

This was among treasures you could find at the Central Market. What a nice conversation piece for the home. And if it works, just as well, a sound system, albeit a little bit out of vogue today. Come to think of it, we are a fortunate generation to still be able to see all these, from crude audio devices such as it to MP3 players.

KPACHOROPCK-3 16mm Movie Camera

2007-02-28T18:58:00.000+08:00

This is an antique KPACHOROPCK-3 16mm movie camera found at the Central Market. I am not sure if it is in working condition but by the way the lenses are wrapped, I think it is still working.

Antique Camera

2007-02-28T18:54:00.000+08:00

This antique diaphgrammatic camera was spotted at the Central Market. The lenses are not on the unit but it looks good as a house decor, don't you think?

Croaking Wooden Frogs

2007-02-27T19:28:00.000+08:00

These are wooden bullfrogs. If you run the bar down its its spinal back, you will hear the creature come to life. It croaks. Whoever invented this plaything is very intelligent. It could be a plaything from yesteryear, but it could also be a tool for bullfrog hunters. Any comment that could shed light into this device will be greatly appreciated.

Feng Shui Fountain

2007-02-27T19:08:00.000+08:00

This is an odd creation which does not mean much except a water structure with water flowing down the ledges onto a turning yellow stone. My enquiry led to this explanation: It is a feng shui fountain designed to bring good chi to the home. It is to be placed at an inauspicious corner of the home to ward off negative energy. If you have used one, tell me about it.

Timba - Palm frond Troughs

2007-02-27T17:13:00.000+08:00

When plastic troughs have not been invented, villages use these 'timba' or palm frond troughs to scoop water from the well. A rope is tied to one end to be lowered into the well. Villagers back then are self sufficient - they had to be for they are poor folk depending on the generosity of Nature for their next meal. Today these have become souvenirs and household decor. Not many know what they are for.

Mengkuang Handbags

2007-02-27T17:10:00.000+08:00

In some areas in Malaysia, people still use these light-weight handbags. However, they do not last as well as leather ones. With modernisation, these mengkuang handbags will die a natural death or perhaps continue life in the museum...

Rattan and Mengkuang Baskets

2007-02-27T17:08:00.000+08:00

Bet these would make good souvenirs to take home, huh? Those at left are miniature rattan baskets. At right, mengkuang baskets. The are normally plain in colour but the coloured ones have already been dyed for variety.

Mengkuang Baskets

2007-02-27T17:07:00.000+08:00

These are miniature mengkuang (a type of elephant grass) baskets, made as decor and souvenirs. In reality, they were used in the days of old to carry goods to and from the market.

Wooden Bead Necklaces

2007-02-27T17:05:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of coconut shell beads? How about rosewood beads? Well, as you can see, here they are. These are for wearing - not prayers by the way.

Dancing Ganesh

2007-02-26T19:19:00.000+08:00

This is another beautiful piece of Ganesh in a dancing pose. I think it is bettery operated and turns slowly. What a work of art.

Lovely Bead Necklaces

2007-02-26T17:02:00.000+08:00

Have you seen one of these lovely bead necklaces. They were found at Central Market. Believed to come from Indonesia. Nice, aren't they?

Lovers' Fountain

2007-02-26T17:01:00.000+08:00

Hey, this is what I would want for my garden courtyard. Gives you that romantic feel, don't you think? Great piece that will fit anywhere in the home. A definite conversation piece.

Chinese Wishing Well

2007-02-24T22:51:00.000+08:00

This is a Chinese wishing well. Actually it is a bronze urn placed within a small pond. People who make a wish will toss a coin into the urn. If it did not bounce off the urn into the pond, your wish will come true. Believe it?

Hang the Red Lanterns

2007-02-24T22:49:00.000+08:00

Lanterns not only illuminate homes and make them look beautiful but they symbolises good luck as can be seen in most Chinese homes, even when it is not New Year.

All things Red

2007-02-24T22:47:00.000+08:00

These are typical decorative pieces you can see hung in Chinese homes during the New Year. Red is auspicious and symbolises luck and good fortune. The Chinese word you see there means Luck.

Prayer Altar

2007-02-23T22:44:00.000+08:00

This is a typical prayer altar of Chinese homes and the things you see in front are offerings to the Gods. This one sport the deity Kuan Kung, or patron of literature and great warrior. Usually non-meat offerings are laid out on the table.

Glutinuous Cakes - Nien Gao

2007-02-23T22:42:00.000+08:00

This cake was created to seal the mouth of the Kitchen God. The Chinese believe that each eay, just before the New Year, the Ktchen God goes to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor to report your misdeeds. To outsmart the Kitchen God and make sure he didn't say bad things, this sweet sticky cake is offered as prayers before the god goes to heaven. Hopefully when there, his mouth will be sealed and the misdeeds would not be made known to the Jade Emperor.

Lion Dance To Chase Away Ill-Luck

2007-02-23T22:39:00.000+08:00

Believe it or not, loud sounds of firecrackers, Chinese drums and cymbals, which accompany lion dances are used to chase away ill-luck during the New Year. Lion dancers would visit homes to pay homage and in return are given ang pow.

Chinese Joss Papers

2007-02-22T14:02:00.000+08:00

These are Chinese Gold Paper, the joss papers. These are burnt to invoke the kindness of spiritual and other heavenly beings.

Chinese Bowls

2007-02-22T13:52:00.000+08:00

Some of the paraphernalias used in Chinese homes during the New Year. To traditional families, new crockery should be used at the start of the New Year to usher in good luck and fortune.

Kumquats - Pot of Gold

2007-02-21T14:09:00.000+08:00

This is an auspicious plant that symbolises abundance, a must in every Chinese home during Chinese New Year. Sometimes ang pow packets are hung on the plants.

Kueh Kapit - Chinese Loveletters

2007-02-21T14:06:00.000+08:00

Beats me why the Kuih Kapit is known as the Chinese Love Letters but this New Year delicacy is a must-have during the festival. The calipers are the moulds. Batter is poured onto then caliper plates and grilled over ambers. The resulting cooies are peeled off and quickly folded into quarters. It is a crunchy treat not unlike fortune cookies.

Kuih Bangkit

2007-02-21T14:04:00.000+08:00

This is a kind of cookies invented by the Peranakan Chinese made from rice flour. It is baked in coal oven and melts in the mouth. The black devices you see are the mould while at the top left is a plate of Kuih Bangkit. The cookies are served during Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Greeting Cards

2007-02-21T13:58:00.000+08:00

Well, in the past, greeting were written on red paper. Today, you have greetings cards of various shapes and sizes. These are some of them.

Firecrackers - Bringing Good Fortune

2007-02-21T13:56:00.000+08:00

The Chinese burn (used to!) burn firecrackers to chase away bad luck on Chinese New Year. However, this has been banned in Malaysia for many years - although some Chinese homes still light them and risk running foul of the law.

Filial Piety

2007-02-20T13:54:00.000+08:00

This diorama, symbolises filial piety. On Chinese New Year day, children line up to greet the elders Happy New Year. In return, they are given red packets or ang pow containing cash. This diorama, shown at a exhibition at the National Museum, shows children of multi-races greeting an elderly Chinese.

Chinese Carps

2007-02-20T13:53:00.000+08:00

These, like tortoises, signify life and abundance. Chinese homes welcome carps and many are reared in garden pools and aquariums.

Red Packets - Ang Pow

2007-02-20T13:52:00.000+08:00

Red is auspicious. Red packets containg money or ang pow are given to bring good luck to the recipient for the next coming year. Only those who are married are allowed to give an ang pow but that there is no limit to the recipient. You can accept a Chinese New Year ang pow if you are not married and regardless of your age.

Chinese Almanacs - Devices of Divination

2007-02-20T13:45:00.000+08:00

Chinese almanacs (the books) are among the much sought-after divination devices to guide on through the new year. At right, which looked like a CD, is the luo pan or the Chinese geomancy compass. This is used to find the most suitable spot for anything from a structure, building or road. The bottom device, with rows of beads, is the Chinese calculator or abacus.

Tortoise - Symbol of Longevity

2007-02-20T13:41:00.000+08:00

The tortoise is a symbol of longevity and statues of tortoises are often placed in the house during Chinese New Year. Traditionally, tortoises are bred as pets to bring good luck to the home. In folklore Journey to the West, the tortoise carried Monk Tripitaka (Sam Chong) across the West Lake when there were no boats.

Get Off My Back Will You?

2007-02-19T15:57:00.000+08:00

This buffalo calf has yet to get used to the eagret at right as it stares apprehensively at the bird and the latter prepares to mount it. The bird had been trying to convince the young buffalo that it meant the beast no harm, but tried as it did, the calf was not keen. Finally, the bird left. It's a lot like life. Sometimes you want to help out but your assistance may not be met with kindness or reciprocated with enthusiasm. When that happens, well, just leave. It's the best thing to do sometimes,

Malaysian Water Buffaloes

2007-02-19T15:55:00.000+08:00

I spotted these on the way to Pengkalan balak, a small coatal town near to Malacca. A herd of buffaloes were grazing at an abandoned swamp field. Joining them were a flock of egrets. If you wonder what these birds are doing, well, they are picking the lice, mites and ticks off the buffaloes' hide as they graze. A symbiotic relationship you might say.

Red Sun

2007-02-14T08:37:00.000+08:00

This was captured during the haze which hit the country some months back. The sun looked more like the moon. This was one of the better days when the cloud (and sun!) could be seen through the thick smog which resulted from the bushfires in Indonesia.

Cosmic Efferverscance!

2007-02-14T08:34:00.000+08:00

This shot was taken just after the last one entitled Cosmic Breath. See the different layers of the changing skyscape? It was really magnificent. Such is the power of Nature and we are somewhat belittled by its power!

Cosmic Breath!

2007-02-13T08:08:00.000+08:00

Do you feel what I felt when I took this shot? It was late evening and the cloud formation was slowly eating up the blue sky. The sun was almost covered by somehow strong winds at very high altitude blew away part of the cloud cover revealing this surreal look which resembles someone blowing out on a cold winter's day. I call this Cosmic Breath. It is an awesome sight. Hope you like it.

Symphony of the Clouds

2007-02-13T08:06:00.000+08:00

Believe you me, this one was a fantastic show of Nature's forces. The clouds were churned up by strong winds and I was amazed by the effects. It was just like a stormy sea painted on the sky. Within minutes this cloud formation was gone, leaving me in awe of Nature's perfection.

Sunset in February

2007-02-13T08:03:00.000+08:00

I have always admired the beauty of Nature and this is one of the moments that I have captured on film. It was about 7pm and the sun was just about to set. The rays were seen shooting out from a mass of clouds. It was a wonderful feeling and I think you can imagine how I felt when the snap was taken.

Hindu God Koorma - Vishnu's incarnation

2007-02-10T21:06:00.000+08:00

Lord Vishnu takes the form of Koorma or the turtle being who saved the world from the floods by lifting it on his back.

Hindu God Matsya - Vishnu's incarnation

2007-02-10T21:03:00.000+08:00

Lord Vishnu takes the form of a fish-tailed being to save the sacred text (Veda) from the floods.

Hindu God Varaha - Vishnu's incarnation

2007-02-10T21:00:00.000+08:00

In his reincarnation as Varaha or the boar headed being, Lord Vishnu saved the world by raising it from the ocean with its tusks.

Hindu God Narasimha - Vishnu's incarnation

2007-02-10T20:00:00.000+08:00

This is the form taken by Lord Vishnu at a time when the world was ruled by a demon king who could not be killed by man. Lord Vishnu who came in the form of Narasimha or man-lion was able to kill the demon king, I was told. However, I may not be right, so I am hoping a knowledgeable Hindu would care to explain this for the benefit of other readers.

Hindu Epic - Paying Homage To The Gods

2007-02-07T18:13:00.000+08:00

What does this scene depict? If any of the Hindus come across this picture on my blog, could you please tell a story in the comments section so that we can all understand this scene? Thanks.

Horse Headed Hindu God - Kalki the evil slayer

2007-02-07T18:09:00.000+08:00

This is the horse-headed god Kalki - the evil slayer. Hindus believe that this incarnation of Vishnu has not taken place yet and will come at a time when the world is filled with sinful human beings, corrupt rulers. Kalki will destroy the evil (in man) and set forth a golden age of truth and love.

Hindu Epic - Paying Homage At Temple

2007-02-07T17:19:00.000+08:00

This is yet another sculptural delights that was without explanation. It shows a scene - perhaps of people paying homage at a cave temple. Can anyone tell me what this religious scene depicts?

Hindu Epic - Chariot of Horses

2007-02-07T17:08:00.000+08:00

This must be a scene from one of the Hindu epics. It shows a chariot drawn by five horses. Too bad, there were no explanation given at the Gallery Cave of Batu Cave. Otherwise it would give a good understanding to people of other beliefs. It is a beautiful sculpture.

Lord Vishnu resting on five-headed cobra

2007-02-04T17:01:00.001+08:00

This is another fascinating sculpture of Lord Vishnu. This sculpture was made famous in postcards since the 70s. Go see the sculpture at the Art Gallery cave, Batu Caves.

Sri Ramar from the Hindu epic Ramayana?

2007-02-04T17:01:00.000+08:00

I don't know if this is a sculpture of a deity or Sri Ramar refers to the hero Rama in the story Ramayana. I will appreciate it greatly if anyone can enlighten me via a post?

Lord Vishnu

2007-02-04T17:00:00.001+08:00

This sculpture is one of the most fascinating I have ever seen at Hindu temples. This one was seen at the Art Gallery Cave of Batu Caves. Lord Vishnu is known as the maintainer of the universe and cosmos. Vishnu, I am told, means He overcomes all. Vishnu represents goodness. He is also sometimes known as Narayana, meaning a shelter for the living.

Lord Shiva

2007-02-04T16:59:00.000+08:00

Lord Shiva is said to be the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and is known by several names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, etc.

Lord Ganesha

2007-02-04T16:48:00.000+08:00

This is yet another lovely sculpture of Hindu God Lord Ganesha. I don't know what is the story behind the scene here but it looks like devotees are paying respect to the Lord Ganesha. If any Hindus are reading this, perhaps they can enlighten me.

Goddess Lakshmi

2007-02-04T14:11:00.000+08:00

Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu - Lord of Protection Maintenance and Preservation. She Goddess Lakshmi is the source of wealth, fortune, prosperity, love and beauty, according to Hindu text. This sculpture is among the many lovely creations of art within the Art Gallery cave of the Batu Caves complex in Kuala Lumpur.

Thaipusam - Silver Chariot

2007-01-31T15:51:00.000+08:00

On the eve of Thaipusam, this silver chariot carrying the statue of Lord Muruga makes its way from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in the city towards Batu Caves, some 40 kilometres way. Devotees accompany it, walking barefeet and carrying a variety of kavadis. This chariot is made of pure silver. Look how beautiful it is.

Thaipusam - Carrying the traditional Kavadi

2007-01-31T15:49:00.000+08:00

This man was seen carrying a traditional kavadi with hooks attached to his body. he is also paying a religious vow and even with the weight of the kavadi, he can still dance to the beat of the traditional muscians before him.

Fulfilling Vows - Thaipusam

2007-01-31T15:46:00.000+08:00

Religious vows must be paid. Promises must be kept. This devotee is carrying a paal kudam or milk kavadi to the temple. Before he undergoes such a religious undertaking, he has to fast for days to purify himself.

Thaipusam - catching 40 winks

2007-01-31T15:45:00.000+08:00

This young lady appears exhausated as she catches 40 winks by the road side.