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| Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple | Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor ☏ +60 12-475 9270 ⏰ 7am - 12 noon | 7pm - 10pm |
The temple is also listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the only glass temple in Malaysia. It is probably the only glass Hindu temple in the world. If you are visiting JB, you won't want to miss this unique Hindu temple which welcomes visitors of all faiths.
Founded in 1922 on land gifted by Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman temple began as a simple shrine in a hut dedicated to Goddess Kali. Guru Bhagawan Sittar rebuilt the temple from a humble hut in 1991 and reopened it in 1996. (It was not covered in glass in 1996.)
During a trip to Bangkok, the glint from a wat (Thai Buddhist temple) caught temple chairman and chief priest Sri Sinnathamby Sivasamy / Guru Bhagawan Sittar's eye. Inspired by how a glint of a wat could bring him to the Buddhist temple, the Guru decided to also cover Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman temple with glass to attract more devotees and visitors to it.
Guru Bhagawan Sittar began work to cover the temple with glass in 2008, completing it in Oct 2009. More than 30,000 devotees attended the opening ceremony of the glass temple. It earned immediate acclaim in the 2010 edition of Malaysian Book of Records as the only glass temple in Malaysia.
More than 90% of the temple was inlaid with red, blue, yellow, green, purple and white glass by 9 Myanmese craftsmen. The coloured glass were from Thailand, Japan and Belgium. The gleaming makeover cost over RM2 million and took nearly 2 years to complete. It was funded partially by public donations.
Crystal chandeliers light up the multicolour glass mosaic, the reflections make a dazzling festival of shimmering light throughout the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is air conditioned for comfort.
More devotees and visitors of all faiths from far and wide visited Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman temple as Guru Bhagawan Sittar envisioned.
The walls of the Athma Lingam sanctuary is covered with 300,000 Rudraksha beads from Nepal. The centrepiece is a lotus for Lord Shiva.
Goddess Kali.
Lord Shiva.
Lord Brahma.
Lord Ganesha.
Besides Hindu deities, the glass temple also has statues of other faiths. Guru Bhagawan Sittar believes that they are all God's messengers.
Jesus Christ.
Guru Nanak.
Mother Teresa.
Gautama Buddha.
Near the ceiling, 10 gold finished figures depict the cycle of life from birth through infancy, childhood, youth, adulthood, middle age, old age and death.
A picture of racial and religious harmony in Malaysia. A Hindu fell off his motorcycle. A Muslim helps him get up, a Buddhist picks up his helmet and a Christian lifts up his fallen bike.
The prayer times on the signboard. The temple remains open to visitors outside of prayer times.
The Glass Temple is about 15 minutes walking distance from City Square Mall. If you drive, the easiest way is to use Waze. Just type "glass temple" and select "Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple".
Disclaimer: I am writing from the perspective of a respectful visitor. Please advice me of any inaccuracies and I will make the corrections as soon as possible. Appreciate much.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
GPS: 1.468520, 103.759828
Written by Tony Boey on 5 Sep 2018
✍ ✍ 24 Dec 2011. Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman Temple along Jalan Tebrau is the world's first and only glass Hindu temple.
The temple was founded in 1922 and built on land presented by the Sultan of Johor to the Indian community. The humble temple was reopened in 2009 after a grand US$1 million makeover.
Nine master craftsmen from Myanmar took 2 years to tile 95% of the temple with intricate designs made from finely cut coloured glass. The 1 million pieces of glass covering the Arulmigu temple consists of six colours, namely blue, red, yellow, green, purple and white.
The unique glass temple of Johor receives throngs of devotees from around the world and also attracts many tourists who are drawn to its spectacular beauty.
Address: 22 Lorong 1, Jalan Tebrau, 80100 Johor Bahru
GPS: 1.468520, 103.759828
Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00am to 10:00pm for devotees. 1:00pm to 5:00pm for tourists.
Date visited: 24 Dec 2011
The unique glass temple of Johor receives throngs of devotees from around the world and also attracts many tourists who are drawn to its spectacular beauty.
Address: 22 Lorong 1, Jalan Tebrau, 80100 Johor Bahru
GPS: 1.468520, 103.759828
Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00am to 10:00pm for devotees. 1:00pm to 5:00pm for tourists.
Date visited: 24 Dec 2011
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Kumaresan Balakrishnan said on Johor Kaki FB: "it’s just a gimmick. it used to be a run down temple for years and then they did this".
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