No. 19 of my top 100 fav things in Cabramatta
“House temples” a phrase that I have coined to describe these numerous temples that have popped up in the residential parts of Cabramatta. At first you do a double take, then you ask youself “Is that a typical 1960′s red brick house with a big white Buddhist statue in the front yard?”. Answer : “Yes it is!”.
It seems that once you’ve noticed one, you can’t help but notice them everywhere. Driving along the streets it’s literally: house, house, temple, house, phone booth, house etc.
Often the main structure of the house is maintained but the gardens are transformed into colourful scenes. I almost expect to see a Buddhist monk wandering about but have yet to see one….a little disappointed actually…
I’m aware that these ‘house temples’ may not officially be listed with the council (yes I’ve tried finding them on the council data), so to avoid revealing their location I’ve withheld addresses on my photos. To be honest this is only a handful (5 featured here). So far I’ve counted 12 (on main roads) but I know there are many more on smaller streets…I would guestimate about 20. This exercise reminds me of temple spotting Kyoto without a map.
I can’t say that I’ve seen such a thing in any other suburb, so I’d have to say that this one of my TOP favourite thing about Cabramatta.
Note: There is very little English within the temples, so I’m not sure how they would feel about visitors…..or my post for that matter!!
Where? Somewhere in Cabramatta
Typical 60km/hr street in suburbia…except that temple on the right.
….was a driveway…now a temple entrance
lovely lawn
house temple with house wheelie bin
Glass cabinet to protect these beautiful statues against the elements.
Telltale signs of a temple, just look for the flags.
We have these in California, too! http://plaidbag.org/2012/05/06/house-temples/