Thean Hou Temple
Temple of the Heavenly Mother, Kuala Lumpur

   




This sight is located in Kuala Lumpur. For information about Kuala Lumpur, go to the Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide. If you are planning to tour Kuala Lumpur on your own, read also the free AsiaExplorers Self-Guided Tour of Kuala Lumpur Heritage Sites. For country information, refer to the Malaysia Travel Guide

 Thean Hou Temple is a six-tier temple and one of the biggest Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur. It was completed in 1987 but was only officially opened in 1989. Thean Hou Temple sits on 1.67 acres of land at Robson Heights overlooking Jalan Syed Putra (Federal Highway). Thean Hou was built by the Hainanese community of Kuala Lumpur who dedicated it to the Goddess Tian Hou (the Heavenly Mother).



The grand staircase at Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur.


This syncretic temple blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism into its grandiose structure. Thean Hou Temple combines modern architectural techniques with authentic traditional design. It features imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination in Kuala Lumpur.

The front entrance of Thean Hou Temple features a grand multi-arched gateway with traditional Chinese red pillars. As with many major Chinese temples, materialism in the form of souvenir stalls are at hand. On the 1st level is a canteen. The 2nd level houses a multi-purpose hall while the temple offices are located on the 3rd level. On the 4th level, which consists of 3 tiers, is the prayer hall.

In the prayer hall of Thean Hou Temple are 3 altars. The altar on the right is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. the main deity, Tian Hou, is placed in the middle altar, while Shui Wei Sheng Niang (the Goddess of the Waterfront) is on the left.







Main archway at Thean Hou Temple.



Tian Hou, the patron deity of Thean Hou Temple.



Ornate roof architecture of Thean Hou Temple.



View of the Kuala Lumpur skyline from Thean Hou Temple.



View of the ornate roofing of Thean Hou Temple.



The ornate bannisters of Thean Hou Temple.



The third tier of Thean Hou Temple.



Roof ornamentation of Thean Hou Temple.























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