Thean Hou Temple

Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opened: 1989

Did you know: It is a major tourist site in Kuala Lumpur and endorsed by the Tourism Development Council as a site representing the Malaysian Chinese cultural identity. chinatownology.com

History

The 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.^[1]

Architectural Features

This syncretic 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 front entrance of the temple features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the colour symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. Souvenir stalls and a canteen are found on the first level. The second level houses the multi-purpose hall while offices are located on the third level. The fourth level has three tiers and the prayer hall is located here.

Prayer hall

The prayer hall houses three 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.

Despite the dedication to Tian Hou, worship of Guan Yin is a recurrent theme at the Thean Hou Temple.

External features

In addition to her altar in the prayer hall, there is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin to the right of the hall, set amongst rocks and falling water. Here one can kneel and receive a blessing of water from the statue. Outside the temple at the entrance to the grounds, there is a larger statue, similarly set amongst rocks and falling water.

Other features include a Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, a Wishing Well as well as a Tortoise Pond.

Finally there is a large statue of the goddess opposite the temple, along with a collection of other large statues that include representations of the twelve animals of Chinese astrology.

Religious and cultural activities

Activities such as the grand birthday celebrations for Goddess Tian Hou, Goddess Kuan Yin and the Goddess of the Waterfront are conducted at Thean Hou. Buddhist activities include Dharma Prayers and Wesak Day celebrations. Cultural activities include the annual Mooncake Festival during the eighth lunar month and the Chinese New Year celebration.