Kuil Sri Mariamman hindu temple, Kuantan

There is a hindu temple in Kuantan opposite HTAA hospital. The Kuil Sri Mariamman temple sits on the junction of the highway to Gambang, on the edge of Kuantan main town. One sunny afternoon I decided to stop in for a quick visit, as it's one of the places in Kuantan I hadn't yet been to.

After taking these initial pictures I noticed a couple of pairs of shoes on the rack outside. Someone was there. I removed my sports shoes and placed them neatly on the middle shelf. When I entered through a small gap in the gate, everywhere was silent apart from the faint rippling of bells hanging around the temple, as they moved in the breeze. Birds flew around and lodged into corners of the ceiling. Surrounded by statues of hindu mythological creatures, I felt a little apprehensive about exploring further, but I overcame the feeling. There was no sign of anyone around. You only fear what you don't understand. I realised I'd done lots of research into hinduism, and I was basically standing in one of their holiest of places.

Replacing a trifle of anxiety with peace, I switched on the camera and began looking for interesting images and angles of the Kuil Sri Mariamman temple.

Moving from the main worship area, I began walking around the perimeter of the Kuil Sri Mariamman temple, within the walls. I noticed some accommodation at the rear of the temple affixed to the temple grounds, so I guessed some people would be in there. Soon, an Indian man came out and made his way through the front gate. I remarked to him how beautiful the temple was. Then he was gone.

While I was snapping away, the sun began to emerge slowly from behind a large white cloud. The sun's rays beamed forward in all directions. The following picture became my lasting impression of the Kuil Sri Mariamman temple:

There was no guide, no activity going on at the Kuil Sri Mariamman temple in Kuantan on that day. But for a photographer, our keen eye is the real guide and I managed to pick up some lovely images as I explored the temple.