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The Grand Old Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
One of the three "1Melaka" along Harmony Street of Malacca
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple; although sandwiched between old shop houses in the heart of Melaka City stands magnificently on almost 50,000 sq. ft land.
Instantly, you will notice its wildly colourful and highly ornate upswept roof ridges. Just by admiring the beauty and delicatecarvings and figurines of mythological deities and dragons; you will unconsciously step into the temple complex.
Once you are in the centre of the temple complex, you will notice a wooden tablet carved with three Chinese characters. Its name Cheng Hoon Teng directly translated as, "Green Cloud Temple" . However, the appropriate meaning will be "a clear blue sky rest area or place" .
History of Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
This temple is the oldest formal Chinese temple in South East Asia. It was founded by the second Chinese Kapitan Lee Wei King in 1646 during the Dutch colonization of Melaka. Significantly, can you believe that this temple was constructed by using original materials shipped in all the way from China? It will definitely cost quite a fortune and required hard work during that time.
Since most of the wealthy Chinese traders in Melaka are from the Hokkien clan , the architecture of this temple is largely of Hokkien temple style. Another notable Hokkien influence can be seen by reading the translated name of the temple itself.
During the olden days, this temple invokes a tribute of mercy for the traders and travellers. These men have left their families and braved the winds and the wild sea to and from Melaka. Aptly, you will notice that the main deity is Guan Yin , goddess of mercy and protector.
Notably from 1704 and 1804, a temple complex has been added to by successive Chinese Kapitans or Chinese Community leaders. It was recorded that Kapitan Chan Ki Lock was largely credited to the construction of the main hall in 1704.
Another notable Chinese Kapitan in charge of the extensive renovation of this temple in 1804 was Kapitan Tan Ki Hou.
The most significant event happened in the year of 1949. At the instigation of the late Tun Datuk Sri Tan Cheng Lock, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple becomes a corporation by an act of Parliament. This old grand temple in Melaka is probably the first and only religious institution in Malaysia to be incorporated by assent of parliament which automatically serves to secure the Temple's future.
Sadly in 1997, part of the grand old temple's roof collapsed. However, it is a blessing in disguise as after the renovations had been done, Cheng Hoon Teng temple has earned commendations from international bodies such as UNESCO.
What to see?
Just explore the temple complex and take in the cultural and spiritual ambience. Look around and you could marvel the diorama of the life of Buddha or simply "capture" the stories that mythological animals and figurines are trying to tell you.
As you walk passed through corridors along the temple complex's sides and back, you will notice memorial family altars with name tablets.
Soon you will realize that this temple is more than just a place to worship the deities, it is also a living temple that remembers the spirits of the dead!
