JOHOR BAHRU, 15 Sept – The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is the only Hindu Glass Temple in Malaysia and probably the world – and Johor Bahru takes pride in this “gem” in every sense as it has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records.
It must be noted that this temple has special links to the Johor Sultanate as it is built on land provided by the then Sultan of Johor nearly a century ago.
The humble beginnings of the temple in 1922 was a hut-like structure.
The present temple is fully air-conditioned and built at a cost of USD1 million. It can accommodate 1,500 devotees and has a cafe that serves vegetarian meals for special events. There is also a function hall in an adjoining building.
The construction of the present glass temple began in 2008 and completed a year later in 2009. The glass pieces were imported from Belgium, Japan, and Thailand and crafted by workers from Myanmar.
Nearly 90 percent of the temple is embellished by colors of red, blue, yellow, green, purple, and white glass.
A unique feature of this tourist attraction in Jalan Tebrau is the presence of 10 white marble statues standings 120 centimeters tall each.
The statues are of Jesus Christ, Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sai Baba, and even Mother Theresa alongside Hindu idols – spreading a strong message of religious tolerance in a multi-racial country like Malaysia.
While it is free for Malaysians, foreigners are charged an entrance fee of RM10. If you want to capture or take pictures of the temple with your camera the fee is RM3 while for a video shoot it is RM20.
The best time to visit the temple is after 6pm when you can take in the reflecting light from the glass artwork – a beauty itself best described as second to none.
The address of Arulmigu Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is at No 22, Lorong 1, Jalan Tebrau, Johor Bahru. Telephone NO: 07-2233989.
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