Introduction

About us 

Here we are. From the right hand side, Toh Chee Ching, Wong Li Hui Amy, Yap Zhong Lin, Chew Woan Chyin and Chung Hui Ping. Now, we are studying in Taylor's University. We are from Foundation in Natural and Built Environment 2012 July intake. We have visited Thean Hou Temple and do some research.

 

History

Thean Hou Temple is a building which has the richest features of Chinese Architectural beauty in Malaysia.  Its main attraction include Balustrades, Decorative Beams, Domed Ceiling, Eaves Cornice, Column Beam Angle, Caligraphic Couples, Murals, Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, Wishing Well, Tortoise Pond, Love Fate Lane and Souvenir Stall.

Information About Thean Hou Temple:

　　　　1.       Gross Land Area : 1.67 Acres

　　　　2.       Construction Cost : About 7 millions

　　　　3.       Building features : Ancient Chinese Construction

　　　　4.       Property belongs to the Persatuan Hainan Selangor & W.P.

　　　　5.       A ground breaking ceremony was held on 30 -08-1981.

　　　　6.       Beam Installation Ceremony was held on 27-11-1983.

　　　　7.       Installation of Goddess of The Heavenly Mother ( Ma Zu ) was held on 16-11-1985.

　　　　8.       Installation of Goddess of Mercy was held on 19-10-1986.

　　　　9.       Installation of Goddess of Sui-Wei was held on 16-11-1986.

　　　　10.   Building works were completed in 1987.

　　　　11.   Official opening ceremony was held on 8-9-1989.

Location

The Thean Hou Temple is situated on the top of Robson Hill.
Address : 65 Persiaran Endah, off Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Directions: From the direction of Istana Negara, slow down after passing Kuen Cheng School on your left. Keep to the extreme left and enter the slip road (Jalan Robson) which runs parallel to Jalan Syed Putra. The road sign shows exit to Brickfields.
The first turning on your left is Lorong Syed Putra Kiri which takes you to the shabby Le Chateau condos, the new Kuen Cheng School (2) and a sprawling cemetery. Do not turn here but drive up further and you will soon see Wisma Belia (Hostel) and Bangunan MCOBA (UEM) on your left. The next turning is Persiaran Endah which takes you up to the temple. You can also approach from the direction of the Brickfields as Jalan Robson is a two-way street.

Reference: http://www.mycen.com.my/directions/thean_hou_temple.html

Map

Organiser

The temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur, is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother).  Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association (Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan) is an association which runs this property. The present chairman of this association is Dato Goh Shi Chai.

http://www.hainannet.com.my/Committee/MainFrame-Committee.htm

The cultural background of Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou, also known as The Heavenly Mother.

The installation dates of the Goddesses are as follows:

• 16 November 1985 - Tian Hou (  The Heavenly Mother )
• 19 October 1986 - Guan Yin ( The Goddess of Mercy )
• 16 November 1986 - Shui Wei Sheng Mu ( The Goddess of Waterfront )

This is the statue of The Heavenly Mother.

The Heavenly Mother is also known as Her Heavenly Princess ( Tian Fei), or tradisionally The Holy Grandmother ( Ma Zu).

Her original name was Lin Muo Niang.  She was born in 960 AD in a willage along the Fujian's Pu Tian Mei bayside.  She was said to receive a myriad of godly powers by a holy spirit which appeared and passed those power to her on a faithful day.  After receiving the power, she will be able to across seawaters on cloth-mats and travel the islands on white-cloth.  And because she showed enlightenment to the Gods in Heaven, people came to know her as The Enlightened Spirit or The Dragon's Daughter.

Lin Muo Niang was later ascended the highest peak of Fujian's Pu Tian Mei province and never seen again.  Therfore, people built a shrine in her tributes.

This is the statue of The Goddess of Mercy.
The Goddess of Mercy is known as Guan Shi Yin, which is name directly translated from the original Indian-Sanskrit term.

Guan - Meaning deep and emphatizing thoughts

Shi - Meaning this world with unfulfilled wants and unending sadness.

Yin - Meaning all human voices especially our outcries of grievances.

She became known to all corners of the land and followers from all over came forward to pay their tributes as she severed her own two arms and gouge out her eyes for her father who was seriously ill, in order to safe his life.

This is the statue of  The Goddess of Waterfront.
The Goddess of Waterfront is a deity by the Hainanese.
According to the lagend, the Port of Qing Lan was a village resided by the Pan Clan.  One day, a member of Pan netted a heavy log.  Strange incidents began to occur as soon as he brought the log onto shores.  The log triggered the curiosity of the village elders who believed the log carried magical powers.  The magical log would disappear at dusk and upon one of the Pan's "longan" trees, would appear a beautiful girl - thinkly built; and bearing a motherly expression on her face.  The villagers realized the were in the presence of holy entirely, and postered the fisherman Pan to raise funds for building a temple.

Finally, the temple was built in her tributes, the exact spot she had appeared.  She was thus named for the temple overlooking the waterfront of the Port of Qing-Lan, in the Town of Wen Chang.

Source : Brochure taken from the temple.

Devotees usually worship fruits, flowers, Joss- Sticks and Lotus Wishing Candles for 3 of the goddess.

The Lotus Wishing Candles.
Lotus Wishing Candles are known as " Ping An Deng " in mandarin, which represents peace.

Devotees worship flowers because flowers represent "Yin", which means reason in mandarion.

While, fruits represent "Guo", which means consequent in mandarin.
Only oranges are served in the temple.

Joss-sticks are not allowed to bring into the prayer hall.

We prayed at the entrance of the prayer hall.
Buddhist pray with joss-sticks as a sign of respect, gratitude and remembrance of the Goddesses.

These are drawing lots.  People use it to seek for sign of the future faith.


Finally, some of the cultural activities such as the grand birthday celebration of Goddess Tian Hou, Dharma Prayers, Wesak Days, Mooncake Festivals and Chinese New Year celebrations also held in the Thean Hou Temple.

Food

Food served in the temple throughout the year

Common food served in the temple

The oranges are the fruit that is commonly served on most days. It has the meaning of wealth, good fortune and gold. Apart from that, candies and biscuits are also served in the temple. 

‘Nian Gao’

‘Nian Gao’ is known as Glutinous Rice Cake. The Chinese character ‘nian’ means ‘year’ whereas ‘gao’ means ‘high’. It has the meaning of good luck, ‘getting higher year by year’ which can imply on children’s height, business, study and work. Chinese people believe that by eating ‘Nian Gao’ during the Lunar New Year can increase one’s prosperity. It is served on Chinese New Year.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?num=10&um=1&hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=400&tbm=isch&tbnid=kX8wfUXcyiAv_M:&imgrefurl=http://sugareverythingnice.blogspot.com/2012/01/nian-gao-or-sticky-rice-cake.html&docid=Sk3s96pQFysawM&imgurl=http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/jos2829/Malaysian%2525202/niango1.jpg&w=580&h=387&ei=zLKxUO_wM8-trAfR7oGwDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=601&vpy=4&dur=2688&hovh=184&hovw=276&tx=97&ty=146&sig=109631715967710619361&page=4&tbnh=147&tbnw=195&start=37&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:46,s:0,i:222

Mandarin Oranges

The Chinese character of mandarin oranges is ‘ji’ which has the meaning of harvest and good luck. It symbolizes good fortune, good luck and positive energy for a new year. The golden colour of mandarin oranges represent wealth and luck. It is served in the temple during Chinese New Year.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=400&tbm=isch&tbnid=1KzYP52xaZb5tM:&imgrefurl=http://closetart.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/its-the-chinese-new-year-in-asia/&docid=ZKq_G_-LAm0nVM&imgurl=http://closetart.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/org001s.jpg&w=600&h=600&ei=76-xUN6XCMrmrAfE9oGwBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=4&vpy=4&dur=2254&hovh=226&hovw=226&tx=138&ty=116&sig=109631715967710619361&page=3&tbnh=140&tbnw=136&start=17&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:0,i:159

‘Fa Gao’

People has translated ‘Fa Gao’ as ‘Prosperity Cake’, ‘Fortune Cupcake’, and ‘Raised Cake’. ‘Fa’ means prosperity and raised. Chinese people believe that it will bring good luck and prosperity in the new year by eating it during the Chinese New Year. ‘Fa Gao’ is often dyed with bright colour such as pink, green and yellow.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?start=292&hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=400&tbm=isch&tbnid=ASezvmQq4jk1iM:&imgrefurl=http://www.fangwoei.net/tag/chinese-festival/&docid=nm9zpIGYrmTDNM&imgurl=http://www.fangwoei.net/wp-content/uploads/wppa/26.jpg&w=960&h=960&ei=oLmxUMX3G8PorAf7tIHYCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=584&vpy=51&dur=1141&hovh=226&hovw=226&tx=154&ty=148&sig=109631715967710619361&page=22&tbnh=155&tbnw=161&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:300,i:28

Pineapple

Pineapple is usually offered during the Lunar New Year in the temple. The pronunciation of pineapple in Hokkien is ‘Ong Lai’ which means ‘welcoming wealth’ when it is translated to Chinese. The significances of pineapple are wealth, luck, excellent fortune and gambling luck.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?start=6&num=10&um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=400&tbm=isch&tbnid=fppkD6OkAyC7EM:&imgrefurl=http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/12/08/15-wacky-ways-to-naturally-induce-labor/&docid=5OTyplXmbdcvcM&imgurl=http://cdn3.blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/files/induction-methods/07-induction.jpg&w=1600&h=1200&ei=h6-xULfuG8LsrAeYrICICQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=260&vpy=82&dur=1374&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=148&ty=118&sig=109631715967710619361&sqi=2&page=2&tbnh=133&tbnw=143&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:0,i:4

Pomelo

Chinese people call pomelo as ’you zi’ which has the pronunciation as ‘having a child’ in chinese. Pomelo is usually served in the temple during Chinese New Year. It signifies family unity, abundance, prosperity and good health.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?start=114&um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=400&tbm=isch&tbnid=WzvorPYudCowkM:&imgrefurl=http://seasonsun-tharans.blogspot.com/2011/09/tambun-pomelos-in-jb.html&docid=-GMSMfeckIKMTM&itg=1&imgurl=http://ipohecho.com.my/v2/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/PA200307.jpg&w=636&h=423&ei=L7GxUMKdIs_PrQeb14DoCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=4&vpy=93&dur=803&hovh=184&hovw=276&tx=160&ty=110&sig=109631715967710619361&page=10&tbnh=142&tbnw=196&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:100,i:61

‘Zhong Zi’

‘Zhong Zi’ (Glutinous Rice Dumpling) is served in the temple during the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie). It is to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, who was a famous poet and scholar in China. Usually, Zhong Zi served in the temple is vegetarian as ‘Guan Yin’ (one of the Buddha in the temple) is a vegetarian.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?start=9&num=10&um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=428&tbm=isch&tbnid=IzyUItkOeDEXIM:&imgrefurl=http://www.foodmayhem.com/2010/06/red-bean-zong-zi-with-video.html&docid=Q8Xu1nVyAoHb4M&imgurl=http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4703152977_6155e7f73a.jpg&w=500&h=333&ei=vXqxUPWDL4fMrQeKxoHgBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=470&vpy=115&dur=16&hovh=184&hovw=276&tx=176&ty=120&sig=109631715967710619361&sqi=2&page=2&tbnh=134&tbnw=183&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:0,i:4

Moon Cake

Moon cake is the traditional food for Chinese and it is round in shape. Moon cake is served during the Mid-Autumn Festival in the temple. It symbolizes family reunion and best wishes.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?num=10&um=1&hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=428&tbm=isch&tbnid=0qJmUFJSdaiSCM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.absolutechinatours.com/index.php/2010-09-22/moon-cakes-and-poetic-reunion/yolk-moon-cake/&docid=LDUsv1Lb6dW6hM&imgurl=http://blog.absolutechinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/yolk-moon-cake.jpg&w=1181&h=886&ei=xXqxUMurH83hrAfS-YGwCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=365&vpy=4&dur=1791&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=165&ty=79&sig=109631715967710619361&page=5&tbnh=142&tbnw=184&start=47&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:54,s:0,i:316

‘Tang Yuan’

‘Tang Yuan’ is known as Glutinous Rice Balls. It is served to Buddha statues during the Winter Solstice Festival. The Chinese word ‘tang’ sounds like ‘tuan’ which has the meaning of reunion whereas ‘yuan’ means round, which signifies ‘yuan man’ (complete). It signifies family reunion, harmony, family unity and family prosperity.

Source:

http://www.google.com.my/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbo=d&biw=910&bih=375&tbm=isch&tbnid=B4EokgQnnVe3YM:&imgrefurl=http://www.malaysiabest.net/2008/12/14/how-to-make-tang-yuen-or-tang-yuan-for-winter-solstice-%25E5%2586%25AC%25E8%2587%25B3/&docid=ZXirSLT-EdlqFM&imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/2127263154_3dd705b1b5.jpg&w=500&h=375&ei=Aq-xUJSvG4aErQfNu4HQBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=617&vpy=82&dur=368&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=181&ty=170&sig=109631715967710619361&page=1&tbnh=142&tbnw=201&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:96

Free Lunches for the visitors and devotees

There are free lunches in the temple on the 1^st and the 15^th day in the Lunar Calendar every month. The free lunches are vegetarian as it is to encourage devotees not to kill or cause harm to other living beings. These free lunches are served free to the devotees and the visitors of the temple.

Wesak Day Celebration

During Wesak Day Celebration, the devotees will offer or donate food items like rice, biscuits and drinks to the monks as a symbol of respect to the Buddhist monks. The food items will be kept in the storage in the temple.

Architecture of the Thean Hou Temple

 

Thean Hou Temple is built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur is dedicated to Goddess Thean Hou (The Heavenly Mother). This temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is an awesome combination of modern techniques.

 

 

It also represents a successful and reliable traditional design featuring imposing pillars, spectacular roof, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments. This temple is also as a popular tourist destination for those non-Buddhist.

 

The Thean Hou Temple is a striking six-tiered Chinese temple. It consist of four levels. There are:

• Top Level - Main Temple Hall where religious and cultural activities are held regularly

• Level 3 - marriage registration and administrative offices

• Level 2 - banquet hall where Chinese wedding dinners are commonly held

• Level 1 – nursery, souvenir shops and food court

Before entering the temple grounds, there is a fountain of Guan Yin and the Three Wise Men as statues. The smaller statue of Guan Yin to the right of the hall, set amongst rocks and falling water. When we kneel on the rock and pray, we will receive a blessing of water from the statue.  

There is also a sculpture of the God of Longevity who believed as a matchmaker set beside the hall. We are able to find him holding a peach and a staff.

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. The Buddhism believes that each person takes on the personality similar to the animal representing the year they were born. We find out our zodiac animal if we don’t already know by referring to the dates inscribed below the statues.

Other feature includes a Tortoise Pond. When we head towards the back of the temple, we find a Tortoise Pond. Tortoises are one of the four celestial emblems (the other three are the phoenix, dragon and white tiger) who guard the constellations; there’s a population of hundreds here.

This is the main entrance arch of the Thea Hou Temple that features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the colour symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. Above is a red signboard with Chinese calligraphy. There is unlike in English, Chinese words are read from right to left, and from top to bottom. The three words read ‘Tian Hou Gong’- which means ‘Palace of the Queen of Heaven’. There is the name of the writer and when it was written if we look carefully on the little characters on each side of the words. In Chinese calligraphy, writing is an artistic skill, and every piece of writing is a work of art.

 

Once past the arch, it leads us to the rooftop courtyard of the temple, where the main shrines are. It is located two floors above. Along the way, don’t miss out on the many carvings on the white wall.

 

The prayer hall houses three altars, dedicated to Guan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy), Tian Hou (Empress of the Sky) and Shui Wei Sheng Niang (the Goddess of the Waterfront). Besides, in between the altars are two pairs of Kau Cim oracles that can be used by visitors.

When we go into the temple, do look up at the ceiling as we are able to see the magical art on the ceiling that makes the temple an enchanting place to be in.

 

Chinese temples are usually red in colour, although gold ones exist as well. Red is dominant in the temple’s appearance, as it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. It also represents joy and festivity. Gold stands for heavenly glory.

Upon reaching the temple shrine, one will be amazed by the dragon-inspired columns and pagoda rooftops. Dragons are prominently featured in this temple. The dragon was the most revered of all animals during ancient times and is symbolic of life. It is a sign of vigilance, strength and goodness. Dragons are pointed to the heavens, intricate roofs at one of the most elaborate Chinese temples in Malaysia.

 

The many rooftops are a common feature of the temple and when we stand here, we can see a breath-taking view of the city. It is also a perfect place to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the temple set against the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

 

Resources :

http://www.asisbiz.com/Malaysia/Thean-Hou-Temple.html

http://www.visitkualalumpur.com/cmarter.asp?doc=383

http://abckualalumpur.com/info_guide/kl_tianhou.htm

http://www.everything-kuala-lumpur.com/thean-hou-temple.html 

http://www.holidaygogogo.com/thean-hou-temple-a-must-visit-spot-in-kuala-lumpur/

http://www.travelfish.org/blogs/malaysia/2012/07/07/thean-hou-temple/ 

http://www.audioguidemalaysia.com/blog/2011/04/28/tourism-malaysia-thean-hou-temple-entrance-arch/