Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Johor
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is a unique Hindu temple famed for its extensive use of glass artwork. Established originally in 1922 as a humble shelter on land granted by the Sultan of Johor, it underwent significant transformation under the guidance of Sri Sinnathamby Sivasamy, the current chairman and chief priest. Inspired by a glass temple in Bangkok, the temple was rebuilt with over 300,000 pieces of colorful glass, creating a brilliant mosaic that covers almost 90% of its surfaces. The temple’s centerpiece is the Athma Lingam sanctuary housing a lotus for Shiva, with walls embedded with 300,000 Rudraksha beads from Nepal, each inscribed with chanted prayers. The temple also features gold-finished sculptures symbolizing the cycle of life and white marble statues representing spiritual figures from various faiths, promoting interfaith harmony. Murals further emphasize social and racial unity through vivid depictions of diverse communities helping one another. The temple is fully air-conditioned, includes a café serving vegetarian meals during special events, and offers facilities like parking and shoe storage. It is open daily for devotees and tourists with designated visiting hours.
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Tip: Visit the temple between 1pm and 5pm for tourist hours to fully appreciate the intricate glass mosaics in natural light. Parking and shoe storage services are available on-site. Consider attending special events for vegetarian meals at the temple café. Booking tickets in advance is not required, but arriving early during weekends or holidays can help avoid crowds.
Interesting facts
- •The temple is Malaysia's first and only glass temple, recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records in 2010.
- •It features over 300,000 pieces of colorful glass mosaics covering nearly 90% of the temple's surfaces.
- •Walls in the Athma Lingam sanctuary are embedded with 300,000 Rudraksha beads from Nepal, each inscribed with chanted prayers.
- •Gold-finished sculptures near the ceiling depict the cycle of life from birth to death.
- •White marble statues represent spiritual leaders from diverse faiths, promoting interfaith harmony.
- •Murals depict social and racial harmony among different ethnic groups in Malaysia.
History
The temple was founded in 1922 on land donated by the Sultan of Johor as a simple shelter for worship.
In 1991, Sri Sinnathamby Sivasamy inherited its administration and led its rebuilding, culminating in a reopening in 1996.
Inspired by a glass temple in Bangkok, the temple underwent a major transformation starting in 2008, completing in 2009, to become Malaysia's first glass temple.
Since then, it has become a prominent tourist attraction in Johor Bahru.
Place Guide
Athma Lingam Sanctuary2009
The sanctuary features a lotus for Shiva where devotees perform prayers by pouring rose water. Its walls are uniquely covered with 300,000 Rudraksha beads from Nepal, each embedded with chanted prayers, creating an embossed texture symbolizing spiritual devotion.
Glass Mosaic Decorations2009
Approximately 300,000 pieces of red, blue, yellow, green, purple, and white glass adorn the temple's doors, pillars, walls, and ceilings, reflecting light from crystal chandeliers to create a dazzling, radiant interior.
Gold-Finished Sculptures
Ten gold-finished sculptures near the ceiling represent the cycle of life stages: birth, youth, adulthood, old age, and death, depicted through various human postures.
White Marble Statues
Ten statues, each 120 cm tall, represent spiritual figures such as Gautama Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sai Baba, and Mother Teresa, symbolizing interfaith respect and harmony.
Murals on Social Harmony
Two large ceiling panels painted by commissioned artists portray scenes of social and racial harmony, including diverse ethnic groups interacting peacefully and helping one another.
Contact
Phone: 012-475 9270
