Glass temple – Arulmigu Sree Rajakaliamman temple, Tebrau, Malaysia
Location – Located in the Johar Bahru district of Tebaru, Malaysia, this Glass temple is a major tourist attraction. This temple is also listed in the Malaysian Book of record for its wonderful glass . It is also one of the oldest architectures in Johor.
History – The main guru of this temple Guru Bhagawan Sittar (earlier known as Sinnathambi Sivaswamy) received the temple as an inheritence. At that time the temple was constructed in the traditional manner. However, one day when the Guru was travelling in a vehicle, he noticed a shining light from far away. He asked his driver to look for the source of light. The light was nothing but a shine reflected off a glass artwork at a temple that was situated a couple of kilometers away.
The Guru was so inspired by this shining light, that he decided to convert his own temple entirely with glass architecture.
Architecture – The temple is called the Glass temple as it is completely covered with Glass artwork both on the inside as well as outside. The reflections from the sun on the glass is considered a beautiful and energizing sight. Although the main temple was built in 1922, it was redeveloped in 1996. The glass fittings were done between 2008 and 2009. Skilled craftsmen were brought from Myanmar to complete this work.
The temple is entirely covered with red, blue, white and other brightly covered glass Mosiacs. There are about 1 million pieces of glass in total. Due to the glass coverings, devotional songs resonate and reverberate with a peaceful sound.
The architecture is a mix of Malaysian and Hindu art forms. There are glass chandeliers inside that reflect light on the mosiac walls. The inner sanctum is huge and can accomodate 1500 devotees.
The centerpiece is a Shiv idol also known as the Athma lingam. Here Lord Shiva is sitting in a lotus position and his seat is adorned with the map of the world.
Imprtant structures include the life cycle structure. These are marble carved, gold plated structures showing the life cycle of a human from birth to adulthood, old age and death.
Specialties – The most interesting part about this temple is that inspite of it being a Hindu temple, there are shrines for Gauthama Buddha, Jesus Christ, Guru Nanak and Mother Teresa too.
The Guru of this temple encourages communal harmony and this is evident in the paintings on the walls. The paintings depict various situation of cross-faith love , in which someone is helped by a member of another religion.
This is one of the few religious places that encourage tourists. Tourist visiting hours are 1pm to 5 pm everyday
Address – 2 Lorong 1, Jalan Tebrau, Johor Bahru
Timings – 7am to 10pm
Phone:- 07-224-5152
How to Reach:-
By Road – This place is accessible through Jalan Tun Abdul Razak street. The nearest bus terminal is Larkin bus terminal.
By Air – Johar Bahru is in southern Malaysia, very close to Singapore. It is well connected to Changi airport. The closest airport in Malaysia is the Senai airport.
By Train – The KTM Johar Bahru station is the nearest railway head.
Image courtesy: Wikipedia images
Location: Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
