Vihara Gunung Timur, Taoist temple in Medan, Indonesia
Vihara Gunung Timur is a Taoist temple in Medan located along Jalan Hang Tuah near the Babura River, containing multiple buildings with altars and candles. The complex houses approximately eighty deity statues representing various Taoist and Buddhist figures, including well-known deities such as Maitreya Buddha and Kwan Im.
Construction of the temple began in 1960 on elevated land near the Babura River and was completed in 1962. The joint efforts of Taoist and Buddhist communities during this period demonstrate historical cooperation between both religions in the region.
The temple represents a fusion of Taoist and Buddhist traditions visible in the various deity statues distributed throughout the spaces. Visitors immediately notice the red and yellow tones and burning incense that spread a characteristic scent and shape the daily spiritual life on site.
The temple is located at Jalan Hang Tuah Number 16 in the Medan Polonia district and is relatively easy to reach. Visitors should note that the site has limited opening hours and it is helpful to use available information about local transportation to arrive without difficulty.
The temple roof is decorated with two green dragons and fish-headed figures, distinguishing it from many other temples in the region. This unusual roof decoration is a rare feature that visitors notice immediately upon arrival.
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