Langkawi Thean Hou Temple a new tourist attraction

By this time next year, the ‘Dragon’s Daughter’ of Taoist belief will have a new temple in Langkawi, giving the island a new religious attraction for visitors and a place of worship for its local Taoist Chinese community especially the Hainanese.

When completed by the end of 2017, the Langkawi Thean Hou Temple honouring the deity Mazu – traditionally worshipped by Chinese coastal communities, sailors and fishermen – will also be one of the biggest temples for the Sea Goddess in Southeast Asia.

The sprawling 2,368 sq metre temple, which is nearing completion, stands on a 1.5 acre plot on a slope in Taman Seri Aman. Its spectacular roof with colourful phoenix and dragon sculptures can be seen from afar as one drives up Jalan Padang Gaong from Kuah.

It will have three main shrines, with the central shrine dedicated to Mazu. On Mazu’s left will be the shrine for the Hainanese Goddess of the Waterfront, Lady Shui Wei; and on her right will be the Goddess of Mercy’s shrine. Each shrine will feature a six-foot statue of the respective deities.

The RM8 million temple, being built with donations and sponsorship funds, will showcase classic architectural designs like those seen in heritage temples in China and Taiwan.

Artisans from China are now working on the interior decorations of the temple like frescoes of Taoist heavenly beings, the Eight Immortals and Seven Fairy Maidens. The figures are drawn by hand on the wall by one artisan. Another then hit nails into the wall to outline the drawings and provide structure for the next artisan, who will create the fresco with plaster.

Temple chairman Datuk Wira Tan Hong Eng has said recently that the new temple will be a venue promoting cultural and social fellowship among the 3,000 local Chinese community, and Chinese architectural art; as well as serve as an attraction for foreign tourists, namely those from China and Taiwan.

Apart from vendors selling joss sticks to devotees at the temple compound, there will also be cafes and a place to enjoy authentic Hainanese chicken rice when the temple is fully ready.

To find out more about the temple’s development, see its Facebook page ‘Langkawi Thean Hou Temple’.