Joanna James
Kuala Lumpur is a wonderful city that is filled with amazing places to see and explore. The Chinese temples within Chinatown in KL are part of these many attractions that one ought to see. Here are a few temples to visit if you just happen to be here during Wesak or Chinese New Year.
This is a beautiful temple situated on the Jalan Klang Lama road. It is dedicated to the goddess called Tian Hou who is said to be the protector of fisherman. Part of the temple is also dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin. It is said to be one of the oldest Chinese temples in the South Asian region. Thean Hou Temple has been wonderfully designed with fine architecture, traditional paintings and other ornamentation. More than just a temple, the holy place holds within its premises a herbal garden, sacred Bodhi Tree and a tortoise pond which is perfect for some photography.
This is a truly exquisite temple located in Chinatown which was once a clan residence or kongsi for the Chen, Chan and Tan Chinese families. It was also a community centre at the time. Looking at the exterior of the temple, the roof is well sculpted in shapes of divine flying dragons. Its beautiful courtyard makes it unique from the rest of the temples. Inside the temple are statues of warriors fighting lions, emperors and much more. If you happen to be staying at accommodation nearby such as Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur, do visit this unique temple.
This is a Taoist temple that was built way back in 1888. It is said to be the temple of Guan Di, the God of War and Literature. This religious site is easily recognisable with its orange exterior and the beautiful coiled dragons on either side of the entrance to the temple. Inside the temple is a huge statue of this particular god made of wood and painted in gold. The imagery of the god’s grandson, Guan Ping and the bearer Zhou Cang also decorates the inside of the temple. The temple is home to the divine weapons of this God as well, the copper sword and spear. Believers trust that lifting one of these weapons would bring them blessings, but it is certainly not an easy task.
Known to be one of the oldest Taoist temples, the site comprises of the main prayer hall and two smaller halls on either side. There is an open-air pavilion which allows visitors to light joss sticks and incense. Most devotees visit the temple to crawl under the table of the deities which is believed to reduce the mortal struggles of people. Also, going around the main alter a total of 3 times is said to bring good fortune.
If you are really hoping for one of the best temple experiences once you step out of your serviced suites in Kuala Lumpur, the Buddhist temple, Kua Yin is the place to be. It is an old temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. There are 3 Chinese statues of Bodhisattvas to see and a festival-like atmosphere with a strong scent of sweet joss sticks filling the air.
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