Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
In a richly diverse country like Malaysia, you’re bound to find an abundance of sanctuaries of worship that are as magnificent as they are sacred. A testament to our multiracial society is the sheer amount of breathtakingly-gorgeous mosques and Chinese and Indian temples dotted around the country.
An iconic Hindu temple that stands out among the rest in its glistening beauty – both figuratively and literally – is the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple in Johor Bahru. Being the first-ever glass temple in not just our nation but also the world, this shrine has gone from being just a place of worship to a must-visit attraction in the state.
Nation’s first glass temple, established in 1922
Shining in all its glory, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple stands as one of Johor’s oldest Hindu temples.
Image credit: @mkmmendoza
What’s most extraordinary about this sanctuary is that it is made of glass – it’s also believed to be the only Hindu glass temple in the world. This revered attraction even has its name in the Malaysia Book of Records, as the first and only glass temple in the nation.
Image credit: @tourism.johor
Established in 1922, the temple saw some pretty drastic changes in its history.
It began as a humble shelter gifted by the Sultan of Johor, and was later rebuilt as a simple temple by Guru Bhagawan Sittar. It wasn’t until a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, when the Guru was struck with an idea to revamp the inherited temple into its current dazzling grandeur.
Image credit: @qiyiiiii
He had come across a glass artwork by the entrance of a wat in Thailand, and had been completely enraptured by the invention. Impressed at how the small artwork was able to capture his attention even from a distance, the Guru was inspired to utilise the concept of glass designs at his temple.
300,000 vibrant glass pieces & gold-finished sculptures
Image credit: @exclusivepeejay
Today, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple looks just like any other Hindu temple from the outside. But head inside, and you’ll be bedazzled by the spectacle of its interior walls.
Image credit: @carol_yuen_photography
Almost every inch of the temple’s surface is inlaid with glass mosaics – over 300,000 pieces of red, blue, yellow, green, purple and white glass, to be precise. Spot pillars, walls, and ceilings all fully embellished with gleaming mosaic glasses – which are said to be imported from Japan, Belgium, and Thailand – that create a festival of bewitching lights.
Image adapted from: @jeanne_daori & @ursula.stanhope
In the Athma Lingam Sanctuary within the fully air-conditioned temple, there are also 300,000 mukhi Rudraksha beads from Nepal that grace the walls. Each and every bead have been meticulously embedded with the chanting of prayers.
The centrepiece in this special sanctuary is a lotus for Lord Shiva, where devotees can perform their prayers and rituals.
Image credit: Google Photos
Do look up at the ceilings, where you’ll find majestic crystal chandeliers that add to the already sparkling interior – a spellbinding sight indeed. Along the lower sections of the ceiling, there are ten gold-finished sculptures, each figurine representing different stages of the cycle of life.
Image adapted from: Google Photos & @tgcheong67
As a symbol of respect to other religions, this Hindu temple has 10 white marble statues that represent figures from different religions – including depictions of Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Mother Teresa. There are also large mural paintings that convey a universal message of social and racial harmony.
The glass temple is open to devotees for prayers from 7am to 10pm, daily. For tourists, visiting hours are from 1pm to 5pm daily – there’s also an entrance fee of RM10 for non-devotees.
World’s first Hindu glass temple in Johor
More than just a site of spiritual enlightenment, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is undoubtedly a dazzling example of architectural splendour in Malaysia. As the first glass temple in the nation, with a captivating interior worthy of a deity, this stunning glass temple is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Johor Bahru.
Do note that visitors are required to store their shoes at a designated section and enter barefoot into the temple. Other temple etiquette to take note of during your visit is to dress appropriately and conservatively, keep noise levels low, respect the devotees, and avoid public displays of affection.
Address: 22 Lorong 1, Jalan Tebrau, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours (for visitors): 7am-12pm & 7pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: 07-224 5152
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Cover image adapted from: @qiyiiiii, @exclusivepeejay and @carol_yuen_photography