Thursday, December 30, 2010

Thean Hou Buddhist Temple (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) ~ December 16, 2010

Thean Hou Buddhist Temple
This is one of the largest Chinese temples in South-East Asia and is located on top of Robson Hill. This temple belongs to the Malaysian Chinese community in Malaysia and public donations made it possible to open the temple in 1989.


The property belongs to and is run by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association (Persatuan Hainan Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan). This temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother).


Thean Hou temple was constructed between 1981 and 1987 at a cost of approximately 7 million Ringgit.

The installation dates of the Goddesses are as follows:
16 November 1985 - Tian Hou
19 October 1986 - Guan Yin
16 November 1986 - Shui Wei Sheng Niang

The temple was officially opened on 3 September 1989

The prayer hall houses 3 altars, each with a sculpture of one deity or goddess. As one enters the prayer hall, the altar on the right is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Tian Hou is in the centre while Shui Wei Sheng Niang (the Goddess of the Waterfront) is at the left. In the middle of the hall and between the altars are two pairs of Kau Cim oracles that can be used by visitors.

THE THREE ALTARS

 Shui Wei Sheng Niang, The Goddess of the Waterfront (Left Altar) 

Goddess Tian Hou, The Heavenly Mother (Middle Altar)

Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy (Right Altar)

Look at the Ceiling Art... A Beauty


The front entrance of the temple features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the colour symbolic of prosperity and good fortune

This temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is a grandiose structure and represents a successful combination of modern architectural techniques and authentic traditional design featuring imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments. Its grand architecture has made it a popular tourist destination.

The door design

The door design at the other side

Souvenir stalls and a canteen are found on the 1st level

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