The Magnificent Pantheon: An Anthology of Malaysian Hinduism and Indian Temples (Paperback Edition)

This book is the product of 10 years of hard work by Chen Yacai, a cultural and historical scholar. He conducted in-depth field research, embraced humanistic care, and broadened his cultural horizons. This cross-cultural work covers Hindu religion, classics, architecture, folk customs, and history. The book is divided into four parts:

Volume 1: History and Mythology Volume 2: Classics, Gods and Figures Volume 3: Temples, Festivals and Rituals Volume 4: Malaysian Indians In addition, there are 9 articles/materials in the appendix.

This book is richly illustrated, with more than 380 photos, more than 10 charts, 5 maps, and a glossary of proper nouns.

This is the first Chinese-language book dedicated to Hinduism and Indian temples in Malaysia. Through this book, readers can gain a brief understanding of the history of Indians in Malaya/Malaysia, learn about Hinduism, and appreciate Indian temples. It is also a resource for fostering cross-ethnic communication and mutual appreciation.

“I am delighted that Chen Yacai has decided to publish his articles in a book. This way, the public can enjoy a more complete version of his work. This book will become an important reference and document for future generations.”
---Uthaya Sankar SB (Founder of the Indian Writers Association)

"Unity, friendship and cultural exchange should never be political slogans. Therefore, the Chinese community needs a book like this, a book of extraordinary significance. It is not only a bridge for communication between different ethnic groups and respect for others' beliefs, nor is it just an attempt to forge a multicultural melting pot. It also enriches the spectrum of Chinese publishing and reading in Malaysia."
---Fu Chengde (poet, publisher, folk lecturer)

"Every unique topic in the book, every snapshot of the passage of time, reveals his true skill in combing through the overflowing library under the lamp. He is a tireless learner, unconstrained by any style; he diligently wades through the winding sea of ​​books, seeking to uncover hidden gems from ancient and modern times, allowing us to experience the splendor of diversity and exchange new knowledge."
---Yang Shanyong (Commentator)

Preface

Menyampaikan Budaya India-Hindu Kepada Komuniti Cina
Spreading Indian/Hindu culture to the Chinese community
—— Uthaya Sankar SB

An important person, an important book
——Fu Chengde

Diverse reading materials, excellent academic research
——Yang Shanyong

Walking along childhood memories
Jejaki nostalgia zaman kanak-kanak
——Chen Yacai

Volume 1 History and Mythology
• Indian mythology and the creation of heaven and earth
• The Churning of the Ocean of Milk and the Elixir of Life in Indian Mythology
• Hindu gods and heaven and earth
• Animals and deities in Hinduism
• Monkey gods across time and space: Hanuman, Sun Wukong, Ramajian
• Naga in Indian mythology
• Hinduism and the sacred cow

Volume 2: Classics, Gods and Characters
• Understand Hindu scriptures
• Ramayana spans the past and present
• Footprints of Hindu Sages: Guru Vivekananda
• Hindu pantheon
• Androgynous God
• Incarnation of a Hindu god
• Vishnu and his ten avataras
• Murugan splitting the Asura in half
• Goddesses in Hinduism
• Durga and Navaratri
• Eros and lust in Hinduism
• Local patron saint from India

Third Temple, Festival and Rituals
• Introduction to Hindu Temples in Malaysia
• Hindu temple structure and ceremony of thanksgiving and dedication
• Temples and caves in the Batu Caves area
• Pilgrimage to the Ayyap Temple in Selangor
• Centennial Hindu Temple in Puchong, Selangor
• Thanksgiving and Dedication Ceremony at the Sri Maha Sri Temple in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan
• A Ceremony of Gratitude and Dedication – Taking the Batu Ayyap Temple as an example
• Visit the Malacca Hindu Temple
• Malacca Yew Sin Hua-In Temple
• Climb up to visit Penang Murugan Temple
• Visit to the Hindu Temple in Alor Setar, Kedah
• A glimpse of Hinduism in Bali, Indonesia
• The shelved Sri Maha Thatcham Temple in Kuala Lumpur
• Loud drums and music: The passionate Thaipusam festival
• The joy of Deepavali and the awareness of good and evil
• The dots and lines on the foreheads of Hindus

Part 4: Malaysian Indians
• The journey of Indians to the East
• Historical snapshot of Malayan Indians before independence
• Malaysian Indian Telugu community
• Sikh community and Sikh temples in Malaysia
• Peranakans and moneylenders: Chetty and Chettiar
• Open another window - Indian writers and national literature in my country
• Indian Museum and Cultural Centre in Malaysia and Singapore
• Impressions of the International Indian Festival

appendix
• Duta Perpaduan Cina-India Ambassador of Chinese-Indian Unity / Written by Uthaya Sankar SB, translated by Lin Hongxiang
• Minat Kaum Cina terhadap budaya India The Chinese community's interest in Indian culture / Written by Uthaya Sankar SB, translated by Lin Hongxiang
• Administrative divisions and language distribution map of India
• Comparison of Indian temple structure and human body
• Population structure of various Indian communities in Malaysia in 2000
• Tips for visiting Hindu temples
• Proper noun comparison