Mengaji in Kampung Kuala Sentul, Maran

Mengaji, what it means?

All Muslims have a copy of the Quran at home. How the Quran is utilized is an entirely different story. More often than not, it occupies the top rack of our bookshelf, collecting dust.

The Quran is the words of Allah. 

When Prophet Muhammad introduced the Quran to his disciples, they recited the Quran and pondered its meaning and were moved by it. 

The importance of mengaji lay in fundamentally in :-

1. Obtain knowledge and guidance from Allah, our Creator. 

2. Apply that knowledge. 

3. Fulfillment of spiritual needs. 

4. Communicate with Allah. 

5. Garner blessing from Allah.

Usually one starts Mengaji when attending religious school or other forms of schooling during their childhood. However, upon attaining adulthood they are left aloof, so to speak.
 

Hence, it was with great interest and pride when I came across this "hut" specially built by hand for the sole purpose of Mangaji.

Located at Kampung Kuala Sentul

The person who manages the Mengaji place occupies this family home

This amazing place for Mangaji is almost fully built by hand except for the window panelings and some minor things which were required to be specifically ordered from the shop

The wood, I understand is all sourced from the surrounding forest

Every care was taken to be articulate, as can viewed in the switch holder

Vinyl flooring, covering the wooden floor

What lays inside

Sri Maran Marathandavar Temple, Maran

The name of the temple literally means crossing the tree.

I am made to understand that about 120 years ago, a road was being built from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. Many trees were sacrificed during this process. However, as one particular rudraksha tree was being cut, it began to bleed. Immediately work stopped and one of the Hindu workers went into a trance, declaring that the tree should be spared. 

The British supervisor who was entrusted with the construction of the road refused this request. Miraculously, a child appeared at the trunk of the tree and disappeared back into this tree. Thus, the tree was spared.    

A Murugan devotee planted a Vel at the base of the tree. It became a sacred tree and Hindu workers started praying at that shrine.

The said tree is now dead. But the remains of the tree are preserved in inner sanctum of the temple. 

Rudraksha is identified as the eye of Lord Shiva. Rudra denotes Lord Shiva and Aksha indicates eye. This divine bead is the ultimate holy talisman. It transforms negative energy into positive energy. Rudraksha beads have been worn by the yogis of India for thousands of years to maintain health and to gain spiritual empowerment.

In 1998, a new temple was built incorporating the features of the rudraksha tree. The inner sanctum has a beautiful silver layering resembling the original rudraksha tree.

Another huge tree is now a focal point. 

Devotees pledge their requests by placing a stone, coin or a lime on a yellow cloth and tie the cloth onto the tree before, humbly uttering a prayer. If the request is fulfilled, the devotees vow must be fulfilled.

Located at 100 km, Jalan Kuantan - Jerantut, 26500 Maran, Pahang. Tel: 09-4778043, 09-4778050. 

Thousands of devotees come to the temple each year during the Pangguni Uthiram ceremony to do prayers and carry kavadi. 

The Majestic temple

 

Main entrance

A priest ringing the temple bell, signifies prayers are on going

I do not know the name of the majestic tree but this is the focal point for the temple

 

A neem tree on the premise 

Peacocks in the premise

 

Hair Shaving Hall. Presumably, this occurs during Thaipusam

The surrounding walls, beautifully crafted

 

One of the side entrance, initially one wonders what is the significance of the peacock, only upon entering that you realize that there are live peacocks

The beautiful scenery surrounding the Temple

MBuji, IOI Mall Puchong

Located at EF30, 1st Floor, New Wing. Its African food with a Malaysian twist. They serve great coffee here too. Seating should not be a problem as they don't have many patrons. Ambiance is cozy 

Nasi Lemak RM10.50. One of the best nasi lemak and sambal that I had tried. You would not have expected this from a place like this. Extra added egg RM1.00

Chicken Rollettes RM16.90. Similar to chicken cordon bleu but with gravy. Wonderful 

Chicken Turkey Sandwich RM11.50. Please try this. You will not be disappointed. Gooey cheese is one of the filling  

Cappuccino RM9.20. Coffee here is brilliant, enough said

Macron RM7.00

Banana Chocolate Walnut Muffin RM6.90

Chocolate Raspberry Muffin RM6.90

Honey Lemon RM7.50