Historical Evolution of Thean Hou Temple
A very long time ago, the Chinese immigrants who arrived in Nanyang (Southeast Asia) would first seek refuge with their relatives and friends. Subsequently, they would search for their ancestral clan associations to connect with fellow villagers. After all, having mutual friends in a foreign land proved beneficial. Therefore, it is not surprising that during the early days, clan associations and temples served as the primary venues for Chinese people to foster community ties and discuss matters of importance.
Therefore, the Malaysia Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association – Thean Hou Temple has a long and rich history. In 1889, the first shrine for Thean Hou was established. The temple underwent various relocations and reconstructions over the years. In 1989, the majestic Thean Hou Temple was finally established at Robson Heights, Kuala Lumpur, with the worship of three Goddesses – Thean Hou 天后圣母, Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) 观音菩萨, and Goddess of Shui Wei 水尾圣娘. The temple holds great significance for the Chinese community and serves as a place of worship and cultural heritage.
The founder of the Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association was Ye Yong 叶勇, also known as Ye Rong 叶荣, originally from Hainan Island. From year 1873 until 1889, the Hainan Island of China diaspora to Kuala Lumpur had already built a small “Thean Hou Shrine” as a place of worship for the countrymen. In 1889, they finally built a simple association house and thereafter the shrine was moved into the building. With this setup, the Hainan Association served not only as a place for the community to gather but also allowed the countrymen to worship deities in Nanyang (Southeast Asia).
On June 23, 1956, the establishment year of the association was determined based on the inscription found on the incense burner in the Tian Hou Temple, which was “GuangXu 16th year” (1890) during a committee meeting. Therefore, the year 1889 was officially recognized as the founding year of the association. Additionally, the committee decided to commemorate the anniversary of the association on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Gregorian calendar.
Thean Hou Temple at Robinson Height
In 1975, the Chairman of the Site Selection Committee applied to the mayor for a piece of land in the front area of the current location of the Tian Hou Temple, which was approximately 12,000 square feet, for the purpose of building a temple (not the current site). Later, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong offered a higher elevated site of about one and a half acres and partially donated it in exchange for the original land. This is how we have the present-day Tian Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur.
The six-storey Kuala Lumpur Tian Hou Temple is located in Robinson Heights. It worships the Goddess Tian Hou 天后妈祖 as the main deity, and also reveres Guan Yin Bodhisattva 观世音菩萨 and Shui Wei Sheng Niang 水尾圣娘 as auxiliary deities. The temple was constructed and is exclusively managed by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. Covering a total area of 6,758 m2, it is the largest Mazu temple among 150 such temples in Malaysia.
The Kuala Lumpur Tian Hou Temple was built with the integration of Mazu folk culture, Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian thoughts. In 1986, the statues of Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Shui Wei Sheng Niang were enshrined, and the construction was completed in 1987. The temple was officially inaugurated on September 3, 1989, to commemorate the centenary of the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. It stands as a remarkable symbol of cultural fusion, representing the beliefs of Mazu, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Visiting Kuala Lumpur Tian Hou Temple can be approached in two ways: during non-festive periods, visitors can focus on appreciating the temple’s architectural style and attractions in a more tranquil setting. Alternatively, during Chinese New Year or other festive occasions, the temple will be adorned with colorful decorations and vibrant festivities, providing an opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere of the Malaysian Chinese community. In this article, we will primarily guide you through the serenity of Tian Hou Temple on regular days.
Mazu Belief
Mazu, the most influential sea goddess in China, is revered through various beliefs, customs, religious ceremonies, and folk practices in coastal regions. According to legends, she lived on Meizhou Island during the tenth century, where she selflessly assisted her community and tragically lost her life while trying to save survivors of a shipwreck. As a result, a temple was constructed in her honor, and she became venerated as a goddess by local residents.
The temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, who is highly venerated by Chinese communities, especially those with a maritime heritage. Mazu is believed to be a protective deity for sailors and fishermen, providing blessings for safe voyages and bountiful catches. The Mazu faith promotes virtues of morality, kindness, and compassion, and in 2009, it was recognized as a “World Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO.
Guan Yin Bodhisattva 观世音菩萨
Shui Wei Sheng Niang 水尾圣娘
Descending from the main hall, we arrived at the Zhao Ying Temple, where the deities worshipped include Guan Di Sheng Jun (the Taoist God of War and Loyalty), Siddhartha Gautama, Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha), and Maitreya Buddha.
Scenic View at Thean Hou Temple
The temple’s location on Robson Heights offers a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. The surrounding gardens and terraces provide peaceful and serene spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect during our visit. And we couldn’t resist sharing this breathtaking view with all of you!
Not only was the sky bright and clear, but the surrounding scenery also looked exceptionally radiant and picturesque.
The Unique Architecture Style of Thean Hou Temple
The architecture of Thean Hou Temple embodies the essence of traditional Chinese classical style, with its rich and vibrant colors, strong contrasts, and eye-catching design.
Thean Hou Temple boasts a unique feature with the swallow-tail and dragon-phoenix cresting adorning its temple ridge, representing a classic architectural style from the south. Conversely, the archway at the entrance showcases a straight-line design with ridge-biting dragons on both ends, typical of northern architecture. This blending of distinct styles makes Thean Hou Temple a grand synthesis of both southern and northern architectural traditions.
Here is a detailed explanation about the distinctive features of ancient Chinese architectural styles. We hope that everyone can take their time to appreciate these unique characteristics while visiting Thean Hou Temple. To enhance your experience, we have included some excerpts from the architectural guidebook compiled and published by Malaysia Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association, showcasing their genuine dedication. We have also added our own photos and impressions to help you gain a deeper understanding during your visit. Enjoy your time exploring the mesmerizing beauty of Thean Hou Temple!
【Roof Decoration】 The design of Thean Hou Temple draws inspiration from ancient architecture. As a result, you will often find roof decorations featuring auspicious animals such as dragons & phoenixes.
【Auspicious Creatures on the Roof】 At Thean Hou Temple, you will notice various forms of “auspicious creatures” adorning the roof. Towards the front of the roof ridge, there is a depiction of an immortal riding a phoenix, while the rest of the ridge is adorned with an orderly arrangement of different auspicious creatures.
In traditional architecture, the roof ridge is the intersection of the two slopes of the roof. This structure made it prone to the sliding of roof tiles due to their weight and allowed rainwater to seep in. To address this, ancient craftsmen used nails to secure the roof tiles. Over time, in order to prevent rusting of the nails, craftsmen adorned them with “hats” in the form of small creature decorations.
As construction techniques advanced and due to the ancient emperors’ reverence for auspicious symbols, these small creature decorations gradually merged with the roof tiles, evolving into various auspicious creature totems.
【Rafters】The temple is constructed with square columns and boasts a grand total of 6,134 rafters. Each upper rafter is adorned with a colorful painting of the swastika, while the lower tip features an engraved meniscus shape painting.
【Painted Beams】In Sino-architecture, painted beams are ornate cross beams known for their vibrant colors, bold pigmentation, sharp coloration, and strong contrasts. This rich and lively color scheme is often adopted in temples and regal buildings, creating a sense of passion, joy, and abundance.
At Thean Hou Temple, you can find painted beams in various areas, such as the Thean Hou Hall, Bell and Drum Tower, Foursquare Pavilion, and the memorial archway. In total, there are 227 painted beams throughout the temple, spanning a length of 3,140 feet.
【Caisson Ceiling】 Located at the center of Thean Hou Hall’s ceiling is a distinctive feature known as the caisson ceiling, shaped like an incurvate dome resembling a baldachin. The caisson ceiling is a renowned and complex decorative technique in ancient Chinese architecture, known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship.
【Dougong (Bracket set) 】 Dougong, a unique feature in ancient Chinese architecture, serves as a connecting element between columns and the roof, particularly in larger buildings. Its primary function is to support the extended eaves, ensuring the weight is distributed effectively from the roof to the columns and architrave.
In Thean Hou Temple, the dougongs are painted in blue with a white border, neatly arranged under the eaves. There are a total of 470 sets of dougongs in the temple, spanning across Thean Hou Hall, the memorial archway, Bell and Drum Tower, scripture pavilion, martial pavilion, and the eaves outside the ballroom.
【Dragon Columns】 In front of Thean Hou Hall, you will find a total of four majestic dragon columns. Standing at an impressive height of 15 feet, these columns are meticulously crafted from cement. The dragons gracefully wind themselves around the columns, with their heads positioned at about one-third of the column’s height, appearing to soar towards the sky.
【Balustrade】The balustrades in Thean Hou Temple are of the Qing Dynasty design. The temple boasts a total of 286 rails of balustrades, each approximately 6 feet in length and 4 inches in width. The dahua slabs on the front and back of the balustrades are intricately carved with a pair of kirins (qilin), while the capitals showcase finely sculpted snugged dragons. Positioned at the catercorner of the capitals, the vase-shaped item known as the “cloud bracket” (yungong) ensures the balustrade’s design achieves a perfect equilibrium.
【Plafond】 There are two types of square plafonds – the dragon-phoenix plafond“龙凤承尘” and the heyun plafond “合云承尘” in Thean Hou Temple. The dragon-phoenix plafonds are adorned with elegant golden foils, while the heyun ones are without this embellishment. As you walk along the corridor shelter, situated between the temple’s entrance archway and ballroom, you will come across a distinctive wooden oval yuegongduo plafond “月供朵承尘”. Its semi-circular shape makes it one of the temple’s more unique and captivating features.
【Glazed Roof Tiles】In accordance with the Qing Structural Regulations, roof tiles were available in various glazing colors. The most common colors were yellow and green, with yellow being reserved for palatial and sacred buildings. The glazed roof tiles used in Thean Hou Temple are specially imported from Taiwan and predominantly come in a radiant golden yellow hue. This choice of color is fitting for the temple’s sacred nature and its majestic statues of Mazu (or Thean Hou), which have been revered by emperors of successive dynasties, endowing them with a divine status. Hence, the use of yellow glazed tiles for the temple’s roof befits the identity and elevated status of the revered deity.
【Door Deities】 The door deities at Thean Hou Temple are Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong. Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, there were mysterious sounds of ghosts and goblins outside his chambers, causing disturbances during his sleep. In response, the valiant Generals Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong courageously volunteered to guard the entrance and protect Emperor Taizong. Miraculously, the disturbances ceased, and the emperor could finally rest peacefully. In gratitude and to honor the generals, Emperor Taizong placed their portraits on the doors to ward off evil spirits and bring protection. Following the emperor’s example, the people also started displaying the portraits of these generals on their doors, and thus, they became revered as door deities in Chinese folklore.
【Couplet】
【Fresco】
The frescoes in Thean Hou Temple feature various elements such as door deities, peony, plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, lotus, dragon, phoenix, kirin, as well as stories of the 24 filial exemplars
【Carving】
【Moon Gate】 This architectural feature is commonly found in classical Chinese gardens and resembles a round moon, serving as a passage between courtyards. The Moon Gate at Thean Hou Temple has red decorative edges on its sides, without lower railings for easy passage of visitors.
Passing through the Moon Gate, visitors will find the statue of Guan Yin at the other end. If visitors kneel down, the Guan Yin Water Vase will release water (not for drinking).
【Pavilion】 Place where people can stop and take a rest. The roof of the pavilion is usually multi-eaved, covered with glazed tiles, blue tiles, or colorfully decorated tiles, adding to its beauty.
Inside the pavilion, there is an old stone table with a Chinese chessboard engraved on it.
Bell
Drum
Exit to staircase
24 Filial Sculptures
In order to promote the essence of filial piety deeply rooted in Chinese culture and Confucianism, Thean Hou Temple has created a collection of 24 Filial sculptures displayed at the rear area. These majestic stone sculptures are made of special grade Gutian green sculptures, specially ordered and imported from Hui’an County, Fujian Province. Each sculpture weighs between 1 to 3 tonnes, towering at a height exceeding 6′ 8″.
These stories portray twenty-four filial children from different dynasties, living in diverse perspectives, environments, and encounters. Although some of the tales may seem unrealistic, they serve as powerful role models for the subsequent generations, showcasing the importance of filial piety.
The cultural activity center.
Chinese Chess Board
This large chessboard consists of 9 vertical lines and 10 horizontal lines intersecting, forming a total of 64 squares, with a total area of 42 feet by 33 feet (12.8 meters by 10 meters). On January 27, 2017, this successful creation set a record in Malaysia’s Book of Records as the Biggest Chinese Chess Set Replica.
Chinese Zodiac Park
The statues of the 12 zodiac signs are situated on the right side of the main building. To facilitate understanding for foreign visitors, there are English captions provided beside each zodiac, allowing them to gain a deeper insight into the significance of the Chinese zodiac culture.
Located next to the park of the 12 zodiac statues, there is a Spring Festival decoration representing the Year of the Rabbit – it is likely that this area changes annually to correspond with the current zodiac sign.
Yi Xin Yuan – Garden of Tranquility
Yi Xin Yuan is located near the entrance, and visitors often come here to rest or take photos after touring Thean Hou Temple. It provides a spacious and tranquil area for people to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
In addition to the Garden of Tranquility, there is also a Wishing Pond and a statue of Yue Lao (the God of Love and Marriage)
Visitors can make wishes at the Wishing Pond and pay respects to the deity Yue Lao for matters related to love and relationships.
Here is the Guide Map of Thean Hou Temple, created by the dedicated and well-organized team at The Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. Their commitment and attention to detail are truly commendable. Let’s hope that Thean Hou Temple will continue to uphold the spirit of Mazu and shine brightly in the future!
As usual, feel free to WhatsApp Foodveler whenever you have any question!
Thean Hou Temple Transportation Guide: It is recommended to drive to the temple as there are public and paid parking spaces available. Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Recommended Visiting Time: Any time is suitable for a visit. Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee. Estimated Duration: Plan for approximately 2 hour to explore the temple. Attire: Please dress modestly and respectfully as it is a sacred place. Special Notes: There are no specific special notices. Enjoy your visit!
