Thean Hou Temple
Located on top of Robson Hill off Jalan Syed Putra, the Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest Chinese temples in South-East Asia.
The decorative beams, spectacular roofs, domed ceiling, calligraphic couplets, murals and elaborate embellishments reflect the features of Chinese architectural beauty in Malayisa.
Managed by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association, the temple belongs to the Chinese community in the country and public donations have enabled the famous tourist destination to develop by leaps and bounds.
The original temple was said to be built some 100 years ago in Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur. After years of planning and fundraising, the ground-breaking ceremony for the new building was held on Aug 30, 1981.
In 1987, the RM 7 mil project was completed but it was only opened on Sept 3, 1989 by Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai who was then the Housing and Local Government Minister.
The temple has 4 levels. The lowest level houses the marriage registration office, souvenir shops and food court while the first floor is the main hall where cultural and religious activities are held.
On the second level, one can find the administrative office and resource centre. The main temple shrine is located on the third floor.
Upon reaching the temple shrine, one will be amazed by the dragon-inspired columns and pagoda rooftops. It is also a perfect place to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the temple set against the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Inside the temple, the Thean Hou Goddess sits majestically between the Goddess of the Waterfront (or known as Swei Mei Goddess) and the Goddess of Mercy or known to the Chinese as Kuan Yin.
Since the opening, the temple has been endorsed by the Tourism Development Council as a tourist destination that represents the Malaysian Chinese.
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.
Couples like to come to the temple to take their wedding photographs. The temple is also renowned for its marriage registration services offered.
Every year, more than 5,000 young couples register at the temple.
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