July 2, 2026
Vihara Avalokiteshvara Graha or Guan Yin Temple is near 500 Lohan, so we also toured the grounds of this large Temple complex. It's dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and is one the tallest brass statues of her in SE Asia. She is just over 55' tall, coated in 22 carat gold and is surrounded by scenic dragon fruit plantations. The tile work is intricate and textured with great details. The whole place is very tranquil and calming for meditation and prayer.
The details were so well done in the two temples. Their were gold statues of the goddess everywhere, kept thinking of the phrase " and the Goddess goes to ..." as a play on our Oscar awards.
When we were finishing up our tour of the grounds a funeral party was pulling into the grounds with a police escort first, then the below hearse and several cars following, in a procession, like we do at home. They drove to back area of Temple and put casket up on a blue draped stage. Then all the men, who were dressed similarily, were lining up in front of casket for photo's. Our driver told us they would then burn the body of the deceased and the casket, in the building next door. It looked like they were all having a catered lunch in back of Temple. IT was interesting to observe their customs and I discretely took a picture of the hearse, as we were driving out.
