Loong Tien Gong (The Dragon Temple)

This has to be the most mysterious Nine Emperor Gods temple that I have visited. It sits up on the hill called Bukit Mewah (Luxurious Hill) in Kajang, in a huge, modern complex that exudes prosperity. It is a beautiful temple. The shadows were dark, the lights glistened. The space was very empty, yet the Emperor’s presence could be felt. Yin and Yang were in a highly charged co-existence. I could tell that something goes on there, but there was hardly anyone around when I went last night. That’s strange for this time of year. I’d like to know more. For sure this is the most opulent personal offering to the Nine Emperors that I have ever seen – a place for private prayer to the celestial gods. Impressive.

The movie playing on the large screen (in lieu of opera) was a violent, Chinese gangster film with huge speakers blasting the groans and screams of the defeated into the still night air. That just added to the ambience. And of course the Datuk is there, as he would be on a hill with such opulence. Below the temple is a shrine to Datuk Sultan, also big and well-groomed. Inside, they are using a Datuk statue to ask for payment for prayer items. I’ve never seen a Datuk used this way. I almost put RM10 into the slot to steal him away, but my common sense prevailed.