Nan Ting Si-Parit Unas / 南亭寺-巴力温那

Nan Ting Si-Parit Unas / 南亭寺-巴力温那.

Location:- Parit Unas, Muar, Johor / 巴力温那, 麻坡, 柔佛州.

Famously known as San Chai Ye Miao.

It was my 1st outstation job to Muar, Johor that I was brought to this temple by a client. But knowing then, being young, I’ve totally forgot about this place and have a vague memory of it.

So after 18 years, It was a friend that mention about this place while having tea. My friend, in his 50s now, talked about a temple that his departed mom used to visit when he was in his teens. He couldn’t recall where this temple is located exactly or what deity this temple is devoted to but according to him, those days, tour buses would bring devotee from a far to this temple. Well, after further discussion, way pass midnight, along with some clues of its whereabout, we decided to recce the location before our visit the next day.

On our visit the following day, We were very surprise that till today, many years later, the tour buses still comes. Visitors were busy taking photographs while some were busy doing their offering and prayers.

There is large tree nearby that shelters a few stall selling drinks, fruits and locally made biscuits to visitors. Other stalls here offers numerous craft works, jades, crystal and souvenirs. Fortune teller’s and medicine man are also seen offering their services to the high volume of visitors here too.

Geographically, this place is situated on a vast flat land with a river at the front of the temple. If my memory serve me right, the river were much wider back those days than it is now. Fishing boats were fully parked by its banks and a small jetty is build by it side. I really could’t remember a jetty been there during my first visit.

Two huge marble lion is place at the front the entrance, guarding the entrance to the main prayer hall. The center altar in this prayer hall is devoted to the deity of Goddess Guan Yin / Guan Yin Pu Sa / 觀音菩薩 flank by Jin Tong / 金童 also known as Shan Cai Tong Zi / 善財童子 and Yu Nu / 玉女 by it side. The altar to the right is dedicated to Qi Tian Da Sheng / 齊天大聖 while the altar to the left is dedicated to Tian Hou Sheng Mu / 天后聖母 more popularly known as Goddess Tian Hou .

Devotee are seen working on the Chinese fortune stick / 求籤 for advise to their prayers. Also known as Kau Chim in Cantonese, this divination method consist of many bamboo sticks in a larger bamboo tube. Each of the smaller stick has a number and the devotee would knell before the deity with the question they wish to seek the answer for. By shaking the bamboo tube sincerely a smaller bamboo stick would pop out of the tube. The devotee would then take the stick and consult at the counter for explanation of the meanings hence answering their question.

The architecture of this premise is slightly different compare to many temple I’ve visited. I notice that some columns in this temple is made out of metal and there is something unique about it that I could’t explain here. From observation, the rain water from the roof of the temple is channel to a lotus pond behind the temple. Enviromentally wise.

The architecture of this premise is slightly different compare to many temple I’ve visited. I notice that some columns in this temple is made out of metal and there is something unique about it that I could’t explain here. From observation, the rain water from the roof of the temple is channel to a lotus pond behind the temple.

Its has a courtyard that is decorated with bonsai and chinese ornaments with well kept grasses. I’ve always like these type of environment.

This temple was establish in 1939 and was founded by the late Dato Kor Thian Peng whom is said to be the foster son of late Johor Sultan. He is also the medium in this temple and is the only medium to be conferred a Datoship in Muar, Johor. There is also a road named after him. A memorial hall is built at the side of the main prayer hall to commemorate his contribution to the community.

A Chinese primary school near the temple was built and operates with contribution from the temple along with the Sultan’s donation. Even the name of the temple SRJKC San Chai is derived from the famous deity here.

Another premise located nearby is dedicated the worship of Shakyamuni Buddha / Shi Jia Mou Ni Fo / 釋迦牟尼佛. The statue of this deity is huge…probably about one and a half storey high. I would definitely return in future and to pick up an introduction book about their history and contribution which has ran out on this visit.