Thean Hou Temple

 

Located on a hilltop overlooking the Federal Highway, the Thean Hou Temple is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother, referred to as Tian Hou in Chinese. The temple was completed in 1987, but officially opened in 1989. The Thean Hou Temple doesn’t belong to a single religion or doctrine; instead, it’s a place of worship for Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

 

The temple’s impressive structure showcases the ability for modern architectural techniques to exist in harmony with authentic traditional designs of such temples. The elaborate carvings, massive columns, magnificent roofs and complex ornamenting seen in the temple has made it a sought-after tourist site. The front entrance is multi-arched, housing red pillars. Red is believed to be the color of good fortune and prosperity. The Thean Hou Temple’s first level houses several souvenir stalls and a snack outlet. Level two contains the temple’s multi-purpose hall and level three is reserved for the temple administration offices. The fourth level is three-tiered and the prayer hall is located here.

 

The Thean Hou Temple has three altars inside its prayer hall, one per deity or goddess. The right-side altar is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The central altar pays tribute to Tian Hou, while the the Goddess of the Waterfront, Shui Wei Sheng Niang, stands on the left. Two pairs of Kau Cim oracles are placed between the altars, which can be used by the visitors. Although the temple is dedicated to Tian Hou, there are many areas dedicated to worshiping Guan Yin as well. Additional to the prayer hall altar, there’s a small statue of Guan Yin located on the right side of the hall, amidst a small waterfall and rocks. The falling water is considered as holy and received as a blessing from the goddess. A large statue of the goddess is found at the temple entrance grounds.

 

The temple also includes a Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, Wishing Well and a Tortoise Pond. Opposite the temple grounds, you’ll fine a collection of deities, representing the twelve animals in Chines astrology. Fortune telling, marriage registration services, tai-chi, wushu, qigong and traditional Chinese exercise activities are also available at the Thean Hou Temple.

 

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