THEAN HOU TEMPLE, KL, MALAYSIA

THEAN HOU TEMPLE, KL, MALAYSIA

In pursuit of my studies in Chinese Metaphysics, I landed in Kuala Lumpur, a couple of years back. Among the many visual treats KL had to offer, both natural and artificial, was the Thean Hou Temple, whose impressive architecture is sure to leave one enamored. 

On my first day in KL and the evenings that I spent 

exploring its by-lanes, one thing I noticed- KL does 

have its share of Chinese and Hindu temples, given the 

many Hindus who migrated from India and Srilanka. But 

some Chinese temples suddenly sprouted from any 

available space in Chinatown and some are ludicrously 

flanked by shops! 

But, the Thean Hou Temple is a masterpiece whose 

architectural finesse and surroundings are both

commendable!

On my last but one day in Kuala Lumpur, I ventured to 

visit this famed temple, which is a veritable visual treat! 

Mind you, it is not ancient compared to the many Chinese temples, but it still has the mystical elements and allure, that Chinese architecture boasts of.  

Located atop Robson Heights this 20^th century temple just dates back to 1987!

I hailed a taxi and told to be taken to the site. After what seemed like 15 minutes from Little India, I was stuck in a traffic jam. It was 5 pm and the driver, a Malay turned around and in a surly tone asked me, “Mam, you want to see this themple?(The natives cannot utter 'T' as in 'train') Thraffic very bad and it will thake long thime to reach. You go another day.” That seemed like an order!

I was determined and replied, “Yes I do. If you say the temple will remain open for another few hours, then why not? I’m willing to brave the traffic snarl!”

He then employed another ploy, “Look Mam, you from Indhia, a thourist, you be careful with your walleth. Money getthing lost.” He continued in what seemed like an Antithesis in the English language, “No taxi you find and you noth reach Little Indhia.”

Wondering if that was a genuine concern or a gambit, I entreated, “I'm an Indian and I heard this is the best temple in town and it’s my wish to see the temple before I leave day after”. This worked and magically the traffic also seemed to ease.

In a few minutes, we rode past Lorong Bellamy to Robson Heights a quiet residential colony. The driver halted at the gates of a white façade and exclaimed with a smile, “Here Mam, is your themple. You go and have good visith.” Gratefully, I bade him farewell and entered the precincts.   

Lo and behold! What stood before me was a stunning scene! The majestic 6 tiered Pagoda adorned with soaring dragons lay amid a beautifully landscaped lawn bearing statues of Chinese deities. I must emphasize that despite tall modern buildings towering the complex, the beauty of the colorful temple did not pale. Instead, it felt like an 

enchanting paradise that sprang up amid modern settings. 

Each stood without clashing the other.  

Festooned statues of Guan Yin adorned one side of the garden and on the other were those of the 3 Wise Men, who are the Gods of Prosperity & Joy, Wealth and Longevity. There was the 12 Animal Sculptures of Chinese Astrology on another side.

The 3 Wise Men

I neared the effigy of the 3 wise men.  The 'God of 

Prosperity' is seen holding a child. The 'God of Wealth' 

holds a scepter sword and the 'God of Longevity' is seen 

bearing a peach and a staff.

A stone figure of the Scholar Man with a voluminous book 

in his hands stood next to a pagoda.

On a rock garden stood the elegant sculpture of Kuan Yin 

herself, with a pitcher in her hand sprouting water. She 

stood amid a pond of water with a gentle waterfall 

cascading from the surrounding rocks.

I proceeded to the ‘Wishing Well’. A man who doubled up as a guide to interested visitors, said that I could make a wish! Need I think? Fervently, I began mentally preparing my list and soon earnestly petitioned all those desires and dreams to the well, albeit silently. That moment was a holy communion I had with the well and the place!

A tortoise pond nearby completed the picture.

Soon I came face to face with the main entrance to the 

temple. Beautiful balustrades done up in bright colors 

embellished with golden dragons, other mythical beings 

and calligraphic couplets vertically written, supported the 

structure. Even the eaves bore gracefully designed domes.

The grandiose Pagoda an archetypal of Chinese architecture stood magnificent and regal! Ostentatiously done, it spelt of elegant opulence, exuding cheer and joy espousing the fact that prayers will indeed  be answered! Unlike some simple temples that are bereft of carvings or sculptures, which evoke qualities of devotion, this temple reflects another facet of devotion that endorses the importance of prosperity in life.

As I entered the prayer hall, I was greeted by a girl selling joss sticks. I bought a few and engaged in small talk. And she on her part enthusiastically explained some interesting features of the temple. She exclaimed, “Mam, you make wish in temple, Guan Yin fulfills wish. Many tourists come here to make wishes. You have any in mind, pray and your prayers will be answered”, she assured. I smiled at her not before proceeding to make wishes!

Inside the prayer hall were enshrined 3 enormous forms 

of deities. The one in the middle is that of ‘Tian Hou’, the 

presiding deity flanked by Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) 

to the right and Shui Wei Sheng Niang (Goddess of the 

Waterfront) to the left. I was instantly reminded about 

the term ‘Shui’ meaning ‘water’ and hence the name for the Goddess!

The kind faces of all three deities evoked a certain motherliness and compassion. No wonder the whole place vibrated with feminine energy! Don’t know why, but I've always felt extremely comfortable in the feeling that feminine energy is the supreme most of all energies! 

The assuring faces reflected a striking benevolence and 

that moment was indeed overwhelming!

Kuan Yin 

Although the temple is dedicated to the ‘Goddess of the Waterfront’, it is Kuan Yin who is sought after, I heard.

Like all things oriental, murals of Dragons were a constant on the walls, dragons denoting strength, virility and valor.

An interesting feature in the prayer hall, are the pairs of Kau Cim oracles which are used as fortune telling oracles!

Spellbound by the tranquil ambience, I sat in a corner, closing my eyes and shutting the jarring world out. It was mesmeric and I just couldn't tear myself from the pervading trance even when I opened my eyes. 

Dusk was dawning. One last time I made another fervent wish, “Please Goddess, let me make another trip to your abode soon with my family”. Spelling that wish, I left the main hall.

Just outside was another small pagoda with dragons 

guarding a lit lamp. Pretty Chinese ceramic urns held lovely cut flowers..

I stepped out into the open and another remarkable sight greeted me! For, on the open courtyard was a group of students quietly practicing Tai Qi, led by their Master. So quiet and refined was the group that only its synchronized movements were the sounds heard! 

The setting sun peeping through the open eaves of the pillars cast a pinkish blush marking the twilight hour. The entire courtyard seemed magical! I stood watching the group’s graceful performance. 

Soon the driver’s words sent alarm bells ringing. I had to be at Wangsa Maju for the night for which I needed to board a train from Stasen Central!!

Throwing cautions to the wind, I stood at the porch overlooking Jalan Syed Putra. Modern buildings dotting the landscape seemed a far cry as compared to the stateliness of the temple. 

That porch separated onlookers, completely dividing two separate worlds! Mind you, the temple is a recent addition, but the marvelous architecture, coupled with the divine ambience is what transports you to another era!

Outside lies a a Herb Garden. 

Cheerful blossoms adorn the garden  

I was looking for Chinese music CD’s usually found in temple precincts. During my visit to Singapore long back, I stumbled upon cassettes with ethereal Chinese music and chants of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. Since then I've been hooked onto this music. The helpful lady at the counter led me to the place which contained numerous CD’’s and booklets. 

I stood counting the ringgits in my purse, when she exclaimed, “This is free. You don’t pay for this. You like CD’s, you take. Community keeps these for the welfare of mankind’! 

Did I hear that right?

I bagged a dozen CD's and a few booklets asking again if I heard it right.

But as a mark of gratitude I left a few notes at the altar.

I had to go, so I took one last glimpse of the temple and prayed in silence that I make a re-visit soon, and left. 

A souvenir shop selling Chinese curios also is within the complex but was closed for the day. A little disappointed, I consoled myself that I had another day to visit the Central Market.

My Prayers Get Answered!!

I left the gates only to find the road deserted. Very few devotees were seen then and so no taxis. With my laptop slung on my shoulders & balancing other paraphernalia, I decided to walk the stretch. A little away, stood a group of Indian boys with a smirk on their face. The boys were young and used broken English to rattle passersby. Although they weren't up to anything, they surely wanted to see me vexed.

I sent a silent prayer to the 3 deities saying, “I came all the way to visit you’ll. I am all alone from another country, can’t you send a taxi soon? 

A car zoomed and stood alongside me. On the driver’s seat was a woman with a man next to her. Behind was another woman. They seemed decent. The man spoke, “Mam you’ll find no taxi here. The place is a bit deserted. And it may not be that safe. Can we drop you somewhere.” Although wonderstruck I had to be cautious. Seeing me hesitate the man prodded, “You don’t have to worry. There are 2 ladies here; you’ll be safe”.

Taking that as a sign from the Goddesses, I accepted the offer. The 3 people seemed to be a 'Godsend' (shall we say Goddess-send?). They drove me to Little India, from where I walked over to Station Central, after thanking them profusely. After shopping at the station, by 8 pm, I was in Wangsa Maju.

To this day, Then Hou Temple and the Guan Yin deity are a constant in my mind. Whenever a wish seems a far cry, I never fail to pray to Gaun Yin….