Melissa breaking a coconut in front of the new car as part of the ritual at the temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga in Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: The advent of technology has made us discard many superstitions and rituals which we may not find practical anymore.
However, there are still many whose beliefs and faith have not changed, such as a couple who only wanted to be known as Nicholas and Melissa.
They were spotted at the century-old Waterfall Shree Muniswarar Temple to seek divine blessings for their new BMW.
Office executive Nicholas, 30, said he is not a religious man but he believes in such blessings.
“The blessing will give me peace of mind and the security that I will be safe while driving,” he said when met at the temple recently.
The temple is famous in the northern region for those wanting to bless their new vehicles.
Company executive Lena Gan, 44, who was also at the temple, said this was her third car which she had brought to be blessed at the temple.
Temple priest P. Somusundaram, 52, said at least eight to 10 cars would come on weekdays and about 15 during weekends.
Many come from as far away as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Johor, especially during weekends.
“Not all are new cars, as some would come to seek blessings after their cars were involved in a minor accident.
“The charges for the blessings are on a donation basis,” he said.
