Discover the best Buddhist temples to visit in KL

Malaysia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse religions. Among these, Buddhism is a prominent religion in Malaysia, and there are many beautiful Buddhist temples that are worth visiting.

These temples are not only popular among Buddhists but also among tourists who want to experience the religious and cultural significance of these places.

Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, Petaling Jaya

The Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, also known as the Wat Chetawan, is a famous Thai Buddhist temple complex in Petaling Jaya. This temple was built in 1957 and officiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand at that time.

The main shrine hall or Vihara (Viharn) was completed in 1962, with a combined workforce of local builders and skilled craftsmen from Thailand. The temple’s structure, heavily gilded in gold leaves, intricately decorated with multi-coloured glass tiles, and crowned with a multi-tiered roof trimmed with chor fahs, represents the most stunning Thai temple architecture in the Klang Valley.

Moreover, Wat Chetawan is the only Malaysian Siamese temple that has been chosen as the custodian of the Buddha sacred relics. These relics were discovered in Piprahwa, a village in Uttar Pradesh near the border of the Kingdom of Nepal in 1898, and were presented to King Chulalongkorn of Siam by the then British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon.

Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple, Brickfields

The Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple, located in Brickfields, is one of the most popular temples in the area, especially during the annual Wesak Day Festival. Founded in 1894, this temple is inspired by the Sinhalese community and is very famous among Sri Lankan, Indian, and Chinese tourists.

In the tranquillity of Brickfield, the red and white temple is crafted with massive Buddha statues and embellished fixtures. The temple’s main attraction is its annual Wesak festival, where a massive gathering and parade are celebrated around the suburb, celebrating Lord Buddha’s birthday.

Moreover, devotees gather on the 1st and 15th of every Lunar month to present offerings like flowers, sweets, fruits, and candles to Lord Buddha and recite various verses. You can also meditate in the serenity of the temple, learn more about Buddhism from monks, be a part of Dhamma learnings, and read some books from the temple’s library.

Thean Hou Buddhist Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Thean Hou Buddhist Temple, also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, is located in the Robson Heights area of Kuala Lumpur. It is a six-tiered temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu and is one of the largest and most well-known Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.

This syncretic temple’s design is the amalgamation of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism elements, combined with a contemporary architectural style. The temple was built in 1981 by the Malaysian Hainanese community and officially opened on 3 September 1989. It is located on a hilltop southwest of Kuala Lumpur with a spectacular view overlooking the city.

This Wesak Day, expect to see devotees fill up every corner and inch of Thean Hou Temple. This temple has a six-tiered statue of the sea goddess Mazu, and Buddhists and visitors usually offer candles and flowers. It is believed that the fragrance and beauty of these flowers represent impermanence