Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur Overview

The 6-tiered Thean Hou Temple, located in Kuala Lumpur, is one of Southeast Asia's largest and most beautiful temples. The temple is a fusion of three beliefs - Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It is extremely colorful and offers a spectacular view atop Robson Hill. Try to visit the temple during night hours as the glowing lanterns and lights make the temple a stunning sight.

The stunning edifice, also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, was built by the Hainanese living in Malaysia and is now run by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. Considered a shrine by many, the Thean Hou Temple is visited to worship the Goddess of Mercy - Guan Yin, the Chinese Sea Goddess - Mazu, and the Goddess of Waterfront - Shui Wei Sheng Niang.

History

The construction of Thean Hou Temple began began in 1981 when the Federal Territory Hainan Association laid the foundation stone. After spending RM 7 million and over 6 years worth of labor, the temple was completed in 1987. The four-story Temple was open to the public in 1989.

It emerged as a huge tourist attraction because of its colorful architecture and scenic view. There are several paintings and sculptures in the temple premises that complement Chinese Legends and the 12 Zodiac Signs. Several Chinese Festivals are celebrated and some even make a yearly pilgrimage to Thean Hou Temple to pay their respects. The temple also holds more than 100 events every year and educates people about Malaysian Chinese culture.

Architecture of Thean Hou Temple

Entrance
The fountain of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy greets visitors as they enter the temple grounds. The entrance gate howcases the Chinese style of architecture. The main entrance also features a multi-arched gateway supported by vibrant red pillars that stand for good fortune and prosperity.

Main Temple Exterior
The main exterior of the temple showcases a fine display of traditional Chinese art forms. It also has the statutes of the zodiac sign, the most prominent being the huge dragon at the entrance.

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur — Main Temple compund lined with Chinese lanterns (Source)

Main Prayer Hall
The prayer hall is huge and spacious to house three altars to the three goddesses of the shrine. The altars have a sculpture of their respective goddess and visitors can pay their respect to them. There are two pairs of Kim Oracles in the middle of the prayer hall that can be used by visitors. There is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy amidst the rock and falling water where visitors can kneel and receive blessing from the statue.

Marriage Registration Office
There is a marriage registration office in the premises of the temple where young couples can tie the knot. This is also a very popular destination for young couples to click their wedding photographs.

Best Time to Visit

January – February would be the ideal time to visit Thean Hou Temple as the Chinese New Year celebrations are in full swing during this time of the year.

It is recommended that to pay a visit to the temple before 9:00 AM, as the temple starts getting crowded after that.

How to Reach Thean Hou Temple

Since there are no direct buses or nearby stations to Thean Hou Temple, the best way to reach the temple is via a taxi. In order to save money on a taxi, board the LRT and travel to Bangsar Station or travel to Mid Valley station from KTM and then take a taxi from there.