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/