Introduction

Hello and ‘Lei Hou’ – that’s ‘hello’ in Cantonese, one of the most widely spoken Chinese dialects in Malaysia.

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple was built over a century ago. The four founding fathers of this temple, Chan Sow Lin, Chan Xin Xi, Chan Chun and Chan Zhai Tian, ​​were also among the early pioneers of Kuala Lumpur. Do you notice that everyone has the same surname Chan?

The Chan See Shu Yuen Clan Association is an association for the ‘Chan’ clan. People with the last names Tan, Chan and Chen belong to this clan, since the Mandarin character of these names is the same. Chan is a very common Chinese surname and many of them come from Guangzhou in China. There is an ancestral temple of the Chan family in Guangzhou, and this one is inspired by it. This is why you see similar Cantonese architecture and art. Work began in 1896 and took ten years to complete.

Also think of it as a club for people who came from the same province in China. When the Chinese immigrants arrived in Malaysia, it was very difficult for them to adapt to this new and foreign land. This is why clan associations are important, because they provide immigrants with contact with people who speak the same language, as well as with their relatives in China. The clan association also looks out for your general welfare.

The association also houses a temple, which is the subject of this article.

From the outside you won’t miss the green and red façade. In fact, the temple is sometimes known as The Green Temple. Look from left to right, especially at the roof line and you will see the elaborate ornamentation that decorates the temple. Painstakingly detailed, they tell stories from ancient China and Chinese mythology.

Just before entering the temple compound, there are two pillars with blue caps. To admire the front facade of the temple, go all the way to the left. These are the famous terracotta figurines that tell ancient history and mythology. These carvings and sculptures are elaborate and fascinating. There are also the same captivating carvings on the far right of the front façade.

inside the temple

Do not forget that in Malaysia, religious places are not tourist places, but actual religious places used by believers to worship. If you see some worshipers deep in meditation or prayer, be as discreet as possible.

On the doors, high up to the left and right, two gray stone lions can be seen. Stone lions are believed to protect the temple from demons. The Chinese characters below them very loosely translate to welcome blessings.

There’s another pair at eye level, and this time they’re white. At first glance one might think that they are the same, but look closely at their legs and you will see that they are different. Guardian lions are always made in pairs, a female and a male. The one on the left is the female guardian lioness, and she has a cub in her right paw, which represents the circle of life. The one on the right is the male guardian lion, and he has his left paw on a globe to represent his “pulse of the earth” sentiment. Symbolically, the woman guards those who live within, and the man guards the temple structure.

On the stone walls there are some Chinese characters, which is a typical feature of Chinese architecture. At the top, there are four large Chinese characters. Unlike English, Chinese words are read from right to left and from top to bottom. The four words say ‘Chen Shi Shu Yuen’, which means ‘Chan Clan Study Hall’. The Chan clan, if you remember, occupies this clan association. There are small characters on each side of the words. They tell you the name of the writer and when it was written. In Chinese calligraphy, or Chinese writing, writing is not just writing. It is an artistic skill, and each piece is a work of art. Think of Michelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci painting a masterpiece and signing on the corner of the work. In fact, it is said that the personality of a writer is reflected in his writing. On the right and left side of the door there are more Chinese characters. They are too poetic to be translated, but they mean loosely, “light radiates from honor, and may wisdom never die.” This type of greeting is important in Chinese architecture and each temple has its own unique greetings. If you get a chance to visit other Chinese temples, ask the locals to translate these wise words for you.

As you walk through the red door, the first thing that catches your eye is the richly ornate carvings of a gilt square above your head.

To the left and to the right are altars for the deities that guard the gate.

On the left, next to the sanctuary, there are two plaque inscriptions; one red and one white. And to the right, next to the sanctuary, there are also two inscriptions on plates, both black. Think of them as a kind of Hall of Fame, where the great and outstanding members of the Chan clan are recognized for their contribution to the advancement of the clan. They could have built schools, preserved their heritage, donated large sums of money, or anything that would help the Chan clan.

On the red pillars on both sides are even more Chinese characters. What do they say this time? Again, a bit too poetic to translate, but they are reminders to the current generation not to forget their ancestors. The Chinese remember their ancestors through a unique tradition called ancestor worship. They would place images or inscriptions about their ancestors and offer food and incense sticks as a way to seek their blessings. It is similar to the Catholic practice of seeking the intervention of saints, honorable people who have passed away. In many Chinese homes, photographs and inscriptions of the deceased can be seen on the altar alongside the gods. In fact, right here, in this temple, is where the current generation of chans worship their ancestors.

In the open courtyard there is now a shop selling many interesting Chinese souvenirs, and by that I don’t mean cheesy tourist souvenirs, but excellent teas, ceramic teapots and many other interesting traditional items. Chinese teas have their own grades, just like wine. There is a Chinese saying, when describing good tea, that good tea has such a strong fragrance that it sticks to your cup after you have finished drinking. To the right is an exhibition hall showing many interesting cultural performances such as Chinese calligraphy. And in front, is the main sanctuary.

From the center of the courtyard, the roofs of the buildings surrounding the courtyard can be clearly seen. The first thing that will catch your eye is the concept of open space. Many do not realize that the patio is inside the building and not outside. This is a very typical feature of Chinese architecture, and many temples are built like this. The courtyard is surrounded on all sides by building units. This is often referred to as the ‘sky well’ concept because the roofs form a small opening to the sky. You may also notice that the width of the building is more important than the height and depth, which gives the width of the building visual impact. The roof design uses the Kwang Tung pottery style, which uses rolling waves as the motif.

Directly opposite is the main hall called De Xing Hall. I will explain each section from left to right. On the left are four photographs of the early founding fathers. They are the first important members of the Chan clan. Next to the photos there is a room. There are black and white photos of deceased Chan family members. Here, the Chinese perform ancestral worship. There is row after row of names written on yellow paper. They are the names of the dead. The Chinese believe that life continues after death and that the dead can influence the fate of the living. Therefore, the faithful pray that their ancestors bless them with good luck and protect them from evil. Others do it out of filial piety, which is heavily emphasized in Chinese culture.

On the left wall, you will see pieces of wood in red, orange, and yellow. They are an ancient epistle, written by a stranger to remind his relatives that the deceased will always be watching over the living, guiding and protecting them. This is another reminder to the current generation of the importance of ancestor worship.

On the left altar, a golden shrine will be seen with more images of the deceased. In front of them on the table are five porcelain vases. On the imposing golden pillar, there are Chinese characters, loosely translated as a blessing for this divine place, that its name would be as sweet as a fragrance, and that this place would pour out wisdom and talent.

Moving on to the main altar, a magnificent golden shrine will be seen. This is the resting place of the stud, as the sign says. The three statues are those of Emperor Shun Chung Hua Master, Later Ancestor Chen Hu Man Master, and Honorary Kai Zhang Ruler Chen Yuan Guang Master. On the table, there are two paper servants. Paper servants are usually burned, along with coins believed to be used in the afterlife, also known as banknotes from hell. There are many other modern paper folds, such as cars, houses, televisions, telephones, etc., as they are believed to be received by the dead when they are burned. There are also five majestic vases on the table.

Above the middle vase is a dancing lion. A dancing lion is believed to invite prosperity and drive away evil spirits.

On the towering gold pillar below, there are words of praise for this temple and a reminder that to prosper, you must remember your ancestors.

At the end, on the altar to your right, are more photographs of the deceased. The layout is similar to the one on the left.

Next to it, you’ll see the same red, orange, and yellow plank design. These are again reminders of the importance of ancestral worship.

The next four images are more images of prominent members of the clan.

There is a room on the right side of the temple. There, there are many exhibits, such as Chinese tea displays, calligraphy demonstrations, and painting techniques.

We have reached the end of the Chan See Shu Yuen Clan Association temple guide. There is a guest book near the right altar if you wish to leave your comments.