A Street of Harmony

A mosque, an Indian temple and a Chinese temple? All on the same road?

Not many places, perhaps. Welcome to the Street of Harmony in Malacca, where the Sri Poyatha Venayaga Moorthi temple, Kampong Kling mosque, and Cheng Hoon Teng temple, all dating from the 17th - 18th century, are nestled along the same stretch of road (along Goldsmith Street and Temple Street).

I believe that town planning in the past was partly the reason of this unique situation. I also feel it tells of a time when people were more tolerant and accepting of each other. It speaks to us of how despite a different festival or ritual that we all go through, we are all creatures of God. Our expressions are different, some bow down, kneel and pray, some burn fragrant joss sticks and some offer musical songs and chants from different tongues into the air.

The places we go to pray and seek blessings and forgiveness from Him may be a world of difference, but in Malacca, they are just a few steps away.