Thean Hou Temple 天后宫, Kuala Lumpur

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur (26 September, 2004)


Thean Hou Temple (GPS: 3.12181, 101.6877; Chinese: 天后宫, Pinyin: Tiānhòu gōng) is a six-tier temple and the biggest Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur. Located at Bukit Seputeh, to the south of Brickfields, 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), who is one of the names for the goddess Mazu (Matsu).

360° Street View of Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is on the map of Chinese temples in 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.

Main archway, Thean Hou Temple (26 September, 2004)


Another view of Thean Hou Temple's main archway (26 September, 2004)


View of Thean Hou Temple's main archway, with the Kuala Lumpur skyline (26 September, 2004)


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.

The ornate balustrades of Thean Hou Temple (26 September, 2004)


Roof ridge ornamentation of Thean Hou Temple (26 September, 2004)


Another view of the foof ridge ornamentation at Thean Hou Temple (26 September, 2004)

Prayer Hall of Thean Hou Temple

The prayer hall of Thean Hou Temple has three alcoves, each installed with a deity. The principal deity of the temple is of course the namesake Thean Hou, who occupies the central alcove. It was installed on 16 November, 1985. The second to be installed, on 19 October, 1986, was the Guan Yin (Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, the Avalokitesvara), which is a popular deity among the Chinese worshippers. The third and final deity was Shui Wei Sheng Niang, installed on 16 November, 1986.

The statue of Thean Hou, aka Mazu, at Thean Hou Temple (26 September, 2004)


Ceiling design of Thean Hou Temple (26 September, 2004)

Going to Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is best approach by private vehicle as it is not near any bus routes. The nearest bus stop on Jalan Syed Putra is some 10 minutes walk uphill to the temple. It is served by Metrobus 9, 10, 20, 21 and 58.

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