Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300, Johor Bahru, Johor | 07-224 5152
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Introduction
Listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the first and only glass temple in the country, the Hindu temple is covered almost entirely with 300,000 mosaic glasses of different colors, and is one of the key tourist attractions in Johor Bahru.
What to Expect?
Located in a slightly secluded area, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple has a humble outlook, but a marvelous interior.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is 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.
More than a temple, it is a cultural and artistic works. Beautiful, glistening and unique temple like no where in the world.
Architecture
More than 90% of the temple was inlaid with over 300,000 pieces of colourful glass pieces of red, blue, yellow, green, purple and white glass by 9 Myanmese craftsmen. The temple’s floors, pillars and walls are all covered in blistering mosaic glasses.
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.
The ceiling of the temple has large crystal chandeliers hanging and their light reflected on the glass create a surreal effect. The fully air-conditioned temple can accommodate over 1,500 devotees. Whether you are an architectural enthusiast or a spiritual seeker, the temple is worth a visit for everyone.
Crystal chandeliers light up the multicolour glass mosaic, the reflections make a dazzling festival of shimmering light throughout the sanctuary.
At a glance, the walls appear to have an unusual embossed texture. Each Rudraksha bead is embedded in the walls with a chanted prayer.
The sanctuary is fully air-conditioned for comfort. Priests and Assistants are friendly & helpful to visitors. The temple also has a café that serves vegetarian meals for special events, and a function hall in an adjoining building.
Temple is very well kept, clean and organized.
Sculptures and Statues
There are 10 gold-finished sculptures close to the ceiling. Of the two figures on the left, one appears to be lying down and the other crawling, while the one on the far right seems to be reclining too. These sculptures portray the cycle of life, from birth, youth, adulthood, to old age and death.
Aside from Hindu gods, there are also Islam, Buddhism and eight other religious figures placed inside the glass temple.There are 10 white marble statues - From Gautama Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sai Baba to Mother Teresa, the design and diversity promotes and embodies the inclusive spirit. The Guru believes that these are messengers of God, and visitors of other faiths will be happy to see them here.
The centrepiece in the Athma Lingam sanctuary is a lotus for Shiva, on which devotees can pour rose water and perform their prayers.
Entrance Fees
Please note that you need to be barefoot in the temple, and their is an entrance fee of RM10 for sightseeing visitors (local & foreigner).
The fees they collect and the donation given via the donation box goes to the upkeep of the temple whereas purchases of oil lamps, souvenirs and books goes to charitable activities by this temple.
Again, this temple welcomes visitors of all faiths. If you are in JB the next time, consider dropping by to visit this unique temple.
Look Around
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300, Johor Bahru, Johor
07-224 5152
Everyday 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Reviews
4.2
(919)
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Karthik Nathan
in the last weekBeautiful temple, must see! Currently closed for renovations but they were kind enough to show us around anyway since we had travelled across the world to visit
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Vincent Fung
a week agoPainstakingly glue on all small pieces of glass to the temple. Rm10 entrance fee.
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Nature's Power (JaZenDave)
2 months agoGoddess "Bhadra Rudra Kaliammal" temple for the devotees. Saturdays there will be special prayer and abhisheka for "Lord Vishnu" where the devotees can join in. Devotees are allowed to do "abhiseka" for Lord Shiva with few thousands Rudra Sha that implanted in the wall. A place that should not mist by me if I have visited Johor Bahru town because I can see myself into the glasses that implanted inside this temple.
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Pat Neligan
5 months agoA racist attitude, they will charge anyone who isn’t Hindu an entry fee of 10RM per person. 20RM for a temple about 5m wide. The temple is unclean and the glass panels just aren’t worth seeing. It’s a construction site too.
The final straw was how rude they were in there. Beware the nice comments are from Tamil names, which means they are the ones who didn’t pay an entry fee. Go to any Chinese temple, mosque in this country and they won’t charge you a fee you can happily donate - nothing is forced. Avoid avoid avoid. (Even Batu Caves don’t charge you) -
T. Spark
9 months agoEntrance for RM10 unless you're Indian/Hindu. Based on the unfavorable reviews here complaining about service and attitudes, I guess they have become more tourist-friendly now, maybe because now there are not many tourists. By the time I visited it seems I was the only tourist, the dozen of others were all praying Indians. Not just they didn't charge me 0.5 extra for the shoe basket, they also allowed me to take written pictures without extra charge even though notices of taking pictures require RM3 per shot were still all over inside the temple.
I would say, the glass temple was less than impressive especially after reading many favourable comments and getting my expectation a bit too high. After all, the temple was not big. There were really not much to see. The artistic effect is not too astounding. While it should be praised for its beauty and creativity, I'm not certain whether the entrance fee and the time was worth. However given that there are not many attractions nearby, I didn't regret having a look here.
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