|
| |
Thean
Hou Temple - Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Destinations and Sights - Within Downtown KL
Sitting atop a hill, This temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism
and Confucianism, features traditional and contemporary Chinese architectural
design. With decorative beams, spectacular roofs, ceilings, calligraphic
couplets, and murals, the temple is dedicated to the patron Goddess Thean Hou of
the Hainanese community. Its grand architecture has made it a popular tourist
destination.
The
temple is one of the largest Chinese temples in South-East Asia. 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 1st level. The 2nd level houses the multi-purpose hall while
offices are located on the 3rd level. The 4th level has 3 tiers and the prayer
hall is located here.
 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).
Despite the dedication to Tian Hou, worship of Guan Yin (or "Guan Shi-Yin") is a
recurrent theme here. In addition to her altar in the prayer hall, there are
also statues of Guan Yin set amongst rocks and falling water. Here one can kneel
and receive a blessing of water from the statue. In the small garden at the
front of the temple are interesting statues of Guan Yin and the Three Wise Men
(from right; The God of Longevity, he holds a staff and a peach; The God of
Wealth, he holds a sceptre sword; and, The God of Happiness and Prosperity, he
holds a child). Opposite the temple, there is a collection of other large
statues that include representations of the twelve animals of Chinese astrology.
Dragons are prominently featured in this temple.
At the 4th level, the courtyard has a mural of a fierce dragon and the white
pillars of the prayer hall are decorated with writhing dragons. Its image is
also seen on the walls and roofs. 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.
 Fortune Telling
Visitors can have their fortune told at the prayer hall. There are 3 'fortune
telling' machines. Each machine consists of a cylindrical container with small
drawers around it. Numbered sticks have been placed in the container. You will
need to draw up the whole bundle of sticks and drop them back into the
container. The sole stick that sticks out is your 'luck'. You then match the
number on the stick with the appropriate drawer. Each drawer contains pink slips
of paper with the fortune told in Chinese and English.
Celebrations & Festivals
Thousands of people visit the temple every year to
offer prayers to the three deities.
Apart from being a place of worship, the temple is also a place for cultural
activities. It hosts an average of 100 activities annually. Among them are the
grand birthday celebrations for Thean Hou Goddess, Kuan Yin and the Goddess of
the Waterfront, Dharma Prayers, Wesak Day, Mooncake Festival and the 15-day
Chinese New Year celebration. The Thean Hou Goddess birthday celebration at the
temple is touted as the biggest ever held outside China.
Newlyweds are frequently seen here as the temple provides a lovely location for
video filming and picture taking. Couples wishing to get married can have their
marriage registered and solemnised here and multi-purpose hall on the 2nd level
is available for the wedding reception and dinner
It is also a perfect place to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the temple
set against the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
The Tian Hou Legend
Lin Mo was born on the 23rd day of the 3rd month of the lunar
calender in 960AD (Song Dynasty). The baby was given the name Mo (silence)
because as a newborn she never cried. She grew up in Meizhou Islands off Putian
in Fujian and died on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month in 987AD at the age of
27.
Lin Mo was always lending a helping hand to villagers who were in difficulties,
and she gained love and respect for her many good deeds. Her knowledge of herbal
medicine enabled her to cure the sick and she taught the villagers how to
prevent diseases and ward off calamities. She was also familiar with the sea and
was good at making astronomical observations and calculating weather changes.
Lin Mo could tell when was the right time for sailors and fishermen to go to
sea.
As a deity, her reputation spread and grew. It was said that she could ride the
clouds across the ocean, and many times used her powers to save merchant ships
and fishing boats. She was honoured several titles by different emperors of
different dynasties - Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. During the Qing Dynasty, she
was known as Tian Fei(Heavenly Princess), Tian Hou (Heavenly Empress)and Tian
Shang Sheng Mu (Divine Mother of Heaven). She is also known as Ma Zu (or Ma Zhou
and Matsu), Tian Hou Niang Niang and also, Ma Hou.
She was worshipped as a sea goddess by Southern Chinese fishermen. No fisherman
would leave the shore without invoking her blessings (for a safe voyage) and
none would forget offering thanks after his safe return.
The statue of Tian Hou is normally accompanied by images of her 2 assistants,
General Chien Li Yen (Eyes That See a Thousand Miles) and General Shun Feng Erh
(Ears That Hear the Wind).
Note
The temple is open daily from 8pm to 9pm.
Taking pictures is allowed but visitors are reminded to leave their footwear at
the steps before entering the prayer hall.
TIP - Best way to Visit - Take a City Tour
DESTINATIONS & SIGHTS - WITHIN DOWNTOWN KL
Chinatown /
Central Market / Jamek
Mosque / Sri Mahamariamman Temple /
Thean Hou Temple /
Twin Towers / KL Tower
/ Merdeka Square /
King's Palace /
Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
|
