Showing posts with label [Kuala Lumpur] Thean Hou Temple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [Kuala Lumpur] Thean Hou Temple. Show all posts
The Dragon And The Temple
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:18 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
I'm puzzled. Last year the temple committee built a large pagoda lantern. This year, they set up a dragon lantern. I was hoping to see a cute looking tiger lantern. I'm still wondering...Why construct a dragon instead of a tiger?
Ornate Roofs
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:47 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
Attempting an abstract shot. This picture depicts three layers of roof. Actually, there is nothing much to do or see in Thean Hou temple. I still prefer FGS 佛光山 Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom.
The Red Curtains
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:26 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Hundreds of red lanterns were used to decorate the temple.
This is the main praying hall with three Gods:
- Goddess of the Waterfront
- The Heavenly Mother
- The Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin (觀音)
You may download the brochure below to read all about the 3 Gods.
The Heavenly Mother (Ma Zu)
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:33 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 400
Heavenly Mother (Ma Zu) was installed in Thean Hou Temple in 16th November 1985. The Heavenly Mother is also known as Her Heavenly Princess (Tian Fei), or traditionally The Holy Grandmother (Ma Zu).
Her Holiness; originally named Lin Muo Niang; was born in 960 AD. on the 23rd day of the 3 month of the Song Dynasty Calendar. She was born to Lin (father) and Wang (mother), in a village along the Pu Tian Mei Bayside.
According to Lin's family-tree text, the day Her Holiness was born, the land was mysteriously covered by a purple streak, perfumed aroma filled every household and a goldenly shining halo appeared above the Lin's house, within which emitted a red glow, shocking and attracting the curious among villagers.
Download official brochure to read more about The Heavenly Mother (download links at the bottom).
The Archway & The Hill
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:29 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Thean Hou Temple is built on Robson Hill. The perfect spot to view KL city.
A Dragon's Roar :)
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:17 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A fierce looking dragon. Sharp fangs and bulging eyes :)
This Way To Heaven
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:49 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Simple roof deco.
Hidden Dragon of Thean Hou
Location: Thean Hou Temple (天后宫), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 12th February 2010 (Friday), 10:56 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A medium-sized dragon carved on a concrete slab.
Recently, I visited the one and only big-sized Chinese Temple at Robson Heights in KL. This temple is known as the Thean Hou Temple (天后宫). According to Wikipedia, The Thean Hou Temple (Chinese: 天后宫) is a landmark six-tiered Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur. It was completed in 1987 and officially opened in 1989. The property belongs to and is run by the Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association (Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan). This temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother). Source: Wikipedia
Thean Hou Temple used to be the BEST temple in KL. But, it is no longer a MUST-GO place during the annual CNY. People from Klang Valley and all over Malaysia are flocking FGS 佛光山 Dong Zen Taiwanese Temple in Jenjarom. Honestly, there is nothing much to see in Thean Hou Temple. I spent one hour exploring this temple before traveling to KL Chinatown.
Um....KL Chinatown is also pretty lame. Nothing much to see or buy. Still the same old stuff. I was expecting something MORE during this CNY. But, I was left feeling disappointed. I didn't even take any pictures in KL Chinatown. First, the hawkers and traders are VERY SENSITIVE to cameras. Second, nothing caught my attention.
Last Updated 18th February 2010 (9:00 p.m.)
Thean Hou Temple - Brochures & 2010 CNY Celebration Program:
Note: Files are stored in MediaFire. Click link to download:
- All About Thean Hou Temple Brochure (4 pages, PDF files, Mandarin & English, 2.26MB)
- 2010 CNY Celbration Program In Thean Hou - from 13/2/2010 to 28/2/2010 (2 pages, PDF files, Mandarin & English, 928 kb)
Thean Hou Temple - Getting There:
From the direction of Istana Negara, slow down after passing Kuen Cheng School on your left. Keep to the extreme left and enter the slip road (Jalan Robson) which runs parallel to Jalan Syed Putra. The road sign shows exit to Brickfields.
The first turning on your left is Lorong Syed Putra Kiri which takes you to the shabby Le Chateau condos, the new Kuen Cheng School (2) and a sprawling cemetery. Do not turn here but drive up further and you will soon see Wisma Belia (Hostel) and Bangunan MCOBA (UEM) on your left. The next turning is Persiaran Endah which takes you up to the temple. You can also approach from the direction of the Brickfields as Jalan Robson is a two-way street.
The Thean Hou Temple is situated on the top of Robson Hill. Though not very high, the initial ascent is quite steep. Make sure your clutch is not slipping or your engine can handle traffic jams on a slope. Parking is adequate but is not free on weekends and during festivals.
Note: Directions to Thean Hou Temple are taken from Malaysia Central
Thean Hou Temple - Google Maps:
Thean Hou Temple - Read More & Useful Links:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thean_Hou_Temple (Wikipedia Article About Thean Hou Temple)
- http://www.hainannet.com/ (Official Portal of Thean Hou Temple)
Article Preview
Title: A Wall Painting - Chinese God of War?Location: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 11:09am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
An interesting wall painting.
Title: Red LanternsLocation: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 11:22am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Hundreds of red lanterns! Must be a breathtaking sight at night.
Title: Roof of the worldLocation: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 10:48am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
A multi-layered reddish roof.
Title: The TempleLocation: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 11:12am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
An external view of the temple.
Title: The Roof
Location: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 10.57am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
The roof seems to be a bit faded. Time for restoration?
Title: Tiled Roof
Location: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 11:15am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
An interesting view at the top of the temple.
Title: Goddess of Mercy
Location: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 10:39am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A large-sized statue of Kuan Yin or Goddess of Mercy.
Title: The Dragon's Body
Location: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 10:52am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Title: The Dragon's Body
Location: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 10:52am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Close-up shot of the dragon's body.
Title: The DragonLocation: Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 10:53am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot.
Title: "Lap Ngap"/Waxed DuckLocation: Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 12.19pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 250
These lap ngap from Hong Kong are real tasty - not too salty, not too fat, with chunky delicious meat.
Title: Waxed Duck DrumstickLocation: Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 24 January 2009, 12.15pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
I bought four pieces of waxed duck drumsticks (RM5.50 per piece) from Loong Kee stall at Chinatown, KL. My mom and I really enjoyed it! YUMMYLICIOUS :)
One more day before Chinese New Year 2009. The festive mood is not around!!! Only a few big "tang longs" or red lanterns visible in Kepong Baru. Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (local council) is not hanging any tang longs to mark the celebration. Similar scenarios in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. I am not sure why DBKL is not doing that this year - economic crisis? or "tidak apa" attitude? The only banners visible in Kuala Lumpur are those to celebrate Federal Territory Day. Sigh...what a mundane way to celebrate our new year. Firecrackers were banned by our former PM years ago and it is still considered illegal. I really missed those good old times - continuous burst of sound and colours to welcome 财神 or God of Prosperity.
Today, I traveled to Thean Hou Temple using public transportation. I did some research prior to my visit. The Thean Hou Temple (天后宫) is a landmark six-tiered Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur. It is located on a 1.67 acres (6,760 m²) of land atop Robson Heights along Lorong Bellamy, overlooking Jalan Syed Putra (Federal Highway).
It was a damn HOT morning! My skin was virtually burning! I took some photos on the external compound of the temple. There is a statue of Goddess of Mercy/Kuan Yin, some zodiac sculptured animals and also a huge colourful lantern. It was boring stroll around the temple. Fortunately, there is a huge speaker blaring away loud Chinese New Year songs - those evergreen music really lighten me up.
Next, I examined the internal temple and took some photos. The prayer hall at Thean Hou temple is very similar to Kek Lok Si's temple. It houses three altars, each with a sculpture of one deity or goddess. As one enters the prayer hall, the altar on the right is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Tian Hou is in the centre while Shui Wei Sheng Niang (the Goddess of the Waterfront) is at the left.
I spent one and a half hours exploring the entire temple. Wasted my time - nothing special. It is just another typical Chinese temple with some goddess statues and intrinsic Chinese design. A short and also a forgettable trip. I expected the largest temple in Klang Valley to host some really good display. Unfortunately, the temple is nothing to shout about :(
Later, I took a bus to Chinatown, Petaling Street to check out the festive mood over there. Another letdown! The celebration there is toned down. The only goodie from my half day tour is buying four waxed duck (lap ngap pei) for RM22. As I am typing away, I just eaten the first waxed duck with my mom. Wow...it was really good, tasty, not too salty and the meat + skin seems to be fresh and chunky! The name of this stall is Loong Kee Waxed Duck and it is located at the heart of the Chinatown.
Gosh, I am putting away my initial plan to travel to Ipoh. So, I guess I will be updating another three to four post about Chinese New Year celebration in Klang Valley. GONG XI FA CAI to all!!!
