NG KWANG ZHOU
E-PORTFOLIO
In the first tutorial we are require to choose a theme from below:
1. Malaysian architecture
2. Fusion architecture
3. Religious places
4. Spaces and people
Hence I choose Religious Place as my theme
THEME : Religious Place
PLACE : Thean Hou Temple
CONCEPT : Chinese Style
Religious place is a specially designed structure or consecrated space where individuals or a group of people such as a congregation come to perform acts of devotion, veneration, or religious study. A building constructed or used for this purpose is sometimes called a house of worship. Temples, churches, and mosques are examples of structures created for religious space.
The Thean Hou Temple 天后宫 is a landmark six-tiered Chinese temple inKuala Lumpur. It is located on a 1.67 acres of land atop Robson Heights along Lorong Bellamy, overlooking Jalan Syed Putra. It was completed in 1987 and officially opened in 1989. The property belongs to and is run by the Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association. The temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur, is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou.
History
Thean Hou temple was constructed between 1981 and 1987 at a cost of approximately 7 million Ringgit.
The installation dates of the Goddesses are as follows:
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16 November 1985 - Tian Hou
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19 October 1986 - Guan Yin
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16 November 1986 - Shui Wei Sheng Niang
The temple was officially opened on 3 September 1989.
Architectural Features
This syncretic temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is a grandiose structure and represents a successful combination of modern architectural techniques and authentic traditional design featuring imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments. Its grand architecture has made it a popular tourist destination.
The front entrance of the temple features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the colour symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. Souvenir stalls and a canteen are found on the 1st level. The 2nd level houses the multi-purpose hall while offices are located on the 3rd level. The 4th level has 3 tiers and the prayer hall is located here.
Prayer hall
The prayer hall houses 3 altars, each with a sculpture of one deity or goddess. As one enters the prayer hall, the altar on the right is dedicated to Guan 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. In the middle of the hall and between the altars are two pairs of Kau Cim oracles that can be used by visitors.
Religious and cultural activities
Activities such as the grand birthday celebrations for Goddess Tian Hou, Goddess Kuan Yin and the Goddess of the Waterfront are conducted at Thean Hou. Buddhist activities include Dharma Prayers and Wesak Day celebrations. Cultural activities include the annual Mooncake Festival during the eighth lunar month and the Chinese New Year celebration.