Sunday, January 30, 2011

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

It has been custom for many Chinese living in and around Kuala Lumpur to offer prayers at the Thean Hou Temple as the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches and before the annual exodus back to their respective hometown ("balik kampung").  The prayers and offerings for good health, abundance of joy, happiness and prosperity are common across Malaysia and worldwide.

Once again, for many visitors and photography enthusiasts, it provides an opportunity to start clicking the camera shutters at the many awesome sight of the decorations made by the temple management. Ushering in the year of the Rabbit is no different with many programmes laid out to celebrate this auspicious event.

A stage with a giant lantern prop with Chinese lanterns strewn across the streets leading to the temple greets visitors within the temple grounds which one can imagine when it's lighted during night time.

However, a board which was placed just next to the steps leading to the temple building with a Lotus Sutra quote "The treasure tower emerges in any place where the lotus sutra is preached, and it represents wisdon and blessing".

That simply explains the Eifell tower like structure which was erected on the same level witht he handicraft centre and food court. Equipped with 12 drums signifying the 12 Chinese animal zodiac, visitors have the opportunity to climb up the platform to beat the drums.

Up on the prayer hall level, is the hundreds of lanterns hang across the floor as the management had done each year. Shuuter bugs were seen busy clicking away non-stop while some had enough and rested along the sides.


The Treasure Tower with the 12 drums signifying each Chinese zodiac specially erected specially for the Chinese Lunar New Year.





        















The steps leading to the temple building.


Lanterns strung across the prayer hall level is a sight to behold.












View of the lanterns from the prayer hall. Seen some tired photographers resting on the steps leading to the hall.




Lanterns galore!

















The board erected to explain about Treasure Tower.












 The giant lantern prop at the main stage within the temple grounds.