Name: Thean Hou Temple
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 03-2274 7088
Rating: 4.6

6-tiered temple opened in 1989, featuring a prayer hall with 3 altars & ornate, colourful details.

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Thean Hou Temple is a wonderful attraction that doesn't cost a penny to enter, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.

No Entrance Fee

The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore its beauty and serenity.

Extended Hours

Thean Hou Temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

Stunning Architecture

Getting to the temple from nearby train stations via Grab or taxi is affordable, costing around RM 5 to RM 8.

Affordable Transport

To avoid the heat and potential crowds, it's recommended to visit Thean Hou Temple early in the morning.

Best Time to Visit

Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple, a prominent landmark in Kuala Lumpur, distinguishes itself through its intricate blend of architectural styles, reflecting influences from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (also known as Tian Hou), the temple's six tiers house not only prayer halls but also a marriage registration office, highlighting its role in community life. A unique feature is the elaborate Chinese medicinal herb garden, showcasing plants used in traditional remedies, a testament to the temple's holistic approach to well-being. The temple's strategic hilltop location offers panoramic views of the city, providing a serene escape from the urban bustle. Statues of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are meticulously crafted and positioned, attracting visitors seeking blessings based on their birth year. The temple's vibrant red pillars and ornate carvings are not merely decorative; they are imbued with symbolic meaning, representing prosperity, good fortune, and longevity.

Introduction

The Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur is a six-tiered temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, also known as Tian Hou Niang Niang, the Heavenly Mother. Built by the Hainanese community of Malaysia, who have roots as fishermen, the temple honors Mazu as the protector of sailors. The temple's construction, completed in 1987 and officially opened in 1989, reflects a blend of ancient and modern architectural techniques, incorporating elements from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Mazu holds the central position in the prayer hall, flanked by Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and Shui Wei Sheng Niang, the Goddess of the Waterfront. The grand birthday celebrations for Goddess Tian Hou are a significant event at the temple, drawing devotees and visitors alike. Despite the prominence of Mazu, the worship of Guan Yin is also a recurrent theme throughout the temple.

The temple's design includes a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, aligning with Mazu's blessings for safety and success. The location of Thean Hou Temple on Robson Heights provides a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur, enhancing the spiritual experience for those who come to pay homage to Mazu. The temple stands as a testament to the Hainanese community's devotion to Mazu and their cultural heritage.

Goddess Mazu

The Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur exemplifies syncretic architecture through its incorporation of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Completed in 1987 and officially opened in 1989, the six-tiered temple showcases a blend of modern architectural techniques with traditional design elements. This fusion is evident in its imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings, and intricate embellishments, creating a grandiose structure that reflects a successful combination of different styles.

The temple's design integrates features representative of each of the three religions. The multi-arched gateway at the front entrance, adorned with red pillars symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, reflects traditional Chinese architectural principles influenced by Taoist and Confucian beliefs. The prayer hall on the fourth level provides a space for devotees of all three religions. The temple's dedication to Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother) further illustrates its syncretic nature, appealing to a broad spectrum of spiritual beliefs within the Hainanese community that built it. This architectural approach has contributed to the temple's popularity as a tourist destination, drawing visitors interested in its unique blend of cultural and religious influences.

Syncretic Architecture

The Thean Hou Temple prominently features Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, reflecting her significant role within the temple's syncretic blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Guan Yin is recognized as Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. While the temple is dedicated to Tian Hou, worship of Guan Yin is a recurrent theme. The prayer hall houses an altar dedicated to Guan Yin, positioned to the right, underscoring her importance.

Outside the main prayer hall, a smaller statue of Guan Yin is nestled among rocks and falling water, where visitors can kneel to receive a blessing. A larger statue of Guan Yin stands at the entrance, similarly adorned with rocks and water features. This reflects the temple's deep connection to Guan Yin. The appellation "Goddess of Mercy" was given to Guan Yin by Jesuit missionaries. Devotees frequently visit to worship Guan Yin, seeking her blessings and guidance. The temple also houses Qianshou Guan Yin (Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy), a form of Guan Yin representing compassion.

Guan Yin Worship

The Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur stands as a testament to the Hainanese community's cultural and spiritual heritage. Built by the Hainanese community of Kuala Lumpur and opened in 1989, the temple is owned and managed by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. The temple's dedication to Thean Hou, the Goddess of Heaven, reflects the Hainanese community's origins as seafaring fisherfolk from Hainan Island, China, who prayed for safety at sea. This connection to the sea is further emphasized by the worship of Shui Wei Sheng Niang, the Goddess of the Waterfront, also enshrined within the temple.

Constructed at a cost of approximately RM7 million, key Hainanese figures such as Robert Chow (Architect), Lim Meng Swee (Structural Engineer), Goh T.K (M&E Engineer), Loong Yoke Phin (President), Heng Fook Kum, Wing Hong How, Tan Koon Swan, Tan Loon Swan, Foo Siang Foh, Loong Yeh May and to all Hainanese that donated money by purchasing part of the building i.e. columns and beams contributed to the temple's realization. The Thean Hou Temple is more than just a place of worship; it's a symbol of the Hainanese community's identity and their enduring connection to their ancestral roots.

Hainanese Community

The Thean Hou Temple features a garden showcasing statues of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about their zodiac sign. This zodiac garden, located on the left side of the main structure, presents sculptures representing each animal in the 12-year cycle rooted in the Han Dynasty. Legend suggests that individuals inherit personality traits associated with the animal representing their birth year.

Beyond their decorative appeal, these statues serve as cultural symbols, inviting contemplation on the characteristics attributed to each zodiac animal. The temple also houses 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 presence of these statues enriches the temple's cultural tapestry, blending artistic expression with traditional beliefs. The detailed craftsmanship evident in each sculpture contributes to the temple's overall grandeur, making the zodiac garden a focal point for both cultural appreciation and photographic opportunities.

Thean Hou Temple

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No Entrance Fee

Extended Hours

Stunning Architecture

Affordable Transport

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