Temple of Leah: A Temple Built Out of Strong and Undying Love in Cebu

"True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart."

Finding the person whom you love and can live with forever is an extreme happiness. However, losing that person can also be the worst. Imagine living with that person for such a long time and then suddenly waking up one day without the love of your life anymore. It would be excruciating.

This husband's agony must be the reason behind the construction of this temple which was built in commemoration of his loving wife.

Temple of Leah was constructed in the year 2012 by business tycoon Teodorico Adarna (the grandfather of the Filipina actress Ellen Adarna) as a symbol for his undying love and ceaseless devotion to his late wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. He was married to his wife for 53 years and it's wonderful that after a long time of being together, he still loves her just the same.

Temple of Leah is now labeled as the Taj Mahal of Cebu. While this is a shrine that holds the memory and treasures of Leah, the well known Taj Mahal in India on the other hand is a mausoleum which was built by Shan Jahan because of his immense love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. These two were both built out of their undying love for their wife. It is indeed a very sweet gesture.

I went there last June as part of our travel's itinerary with no expectations at all. But upon entering the place, I was mesmerized with it as it gave us a feels of ancient Rome and Greece. You can immediately notice that the structures are ancient Roman inspired especially with the temple's columns. Different statues also embelish the corners and different parts of the building.

There is an intricately designed fountain in the middle while there is these two lions which acts as a guard on both sides of the stairs leading to the shrine.

The temple's main attraction is of course Leah's 9 foot bronze statue. On both sides of the grand staircase which will lead you to the statue is the brass angels.

There is a brass plaque which can be found besides the statue of Leah and this is what is written in there:

“I constructed this temple in the year 2012 A.D. as a symbol of my undying love for and ceaseless devotion to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, my wife of 53 years. I adopted an architectural design that can withstand time and still be appreciated for a millennium so this temple will become a landmark of Cebu, where future generations of the Adarna clan coming from her can come and trace their roots and heritage. All her lifetime collections are showcased in the 24 chambers of this Temple principally for the members of our family who cherish her memory."

The temple also features a museum, an art gallery and a library which contains all favorite posessions of Leah but I think it isn't open to the public yet and you can only look at it from the outside of the grand corridor since the building is still under construction.

The corridor where the library can be viewed from the outside

The courtyard offers a stunning overlooking view of the highlands of Cebu and there are also some chairs and tables where you can stay while enjoying your food and the scenery.

It rained for a while during the time we paid a visit but it didn't stop us from admiring the beautiful temple which was built out of Teodorico Adarna's strong and undying love for his wife. It is indeed a sight to behold.

All photos belong to the author @enjieneer using iPhone 6s and GoPro Hero5 camera

References:
https://www.tajmahal.org.uk
http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/history-and-culture/5344/cebu-temple-of-leah-shrine

'Til next time,