Hello everyone, how are you? I hope you are all right. Not long ago, I took part in a tour to explore the history of the city of Jakarta. I followed the Jakarta Good Guide on the Tanah Abang route, a famous market in Central Jakarta. As a textile center in Jakarta.
I want to tell you that on this route, I found a temple with this market. Precisely between Block A and Block F, the Tanah Abang wholesale center. This monastery has existed since 17 centuries ago. Another name for this place is Amurva Bhumi Bhudisattya Vihara. I want to tell you about this place.
When I visited, I entered with three other groups. The group was quite large, we made a lot of noise. Some took photos and so on. So, the guard of this place got angry with us. I want to tell you about this place, this place was founded in 1808 and is busy during Chinese New Year celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Cap Go Meh, Cap it, Cap it Gwee, and others.
He said the congregation at the place was religious. Not only sellers in Tanah Abang. In this monastery, there is a kilin lion statue commonly known as the ciok say statue which is standing guard in front of the monastery. Then, there is a statue of a male Ciok Say holding a ball and bet. Meanwhile, the female statue holds her child.
From the information obtained, my tour guide could not predict whether the monastery was established first or the market first. A little confusing for the Tanah Abang area. At this temple, there is no parking for four-wheeled vehicles. This monastery is really behind the market and is very hidden. I entered this place, having to go through a small alley filled with traders.
Even though it is located in a very narrow place, this place is very well maintained. There are statues of goddesses in the prayer area. There is a fish pond which adds to the beauty of this place. The place is very clean and comfortable. The guardian deity in this place is the God of the earth. This god is believed to be a protective god and blesses the earth.
I think, this god also gives blessings and prosperity. This is what traders usually expect. Usually, on Chinese New Year night, this monastery is open 24 hours. For those of you who are menstruating, you are not allowed to enter this place. Meanwhile, time for worship is only provided on Monday and Saturday. The following is my story about this place, see you in the next story. Bye...
About Author
Nurdiani Latifah
My name is Nurdiani Latifah. I currently live in Jakarta – Indonesia, after 25 years I live in Bandung. I am a media staff at an NGO in Indonesia. I have worked in this institution for almost 2 years on issues of women and peace. I had been a journalist in Bandung for 3 years.
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