Chin Swee Caves Temple
The Chin Swee Caves Temple is a significant Buddhist temple located in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. It was founded by Lim Goh Tong, the founder of Genting Group, and is situated on a scenic 28-acre plot donated by him. The temple is a popular destination for local and foreign devotees, drawing visitors from across Asia.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is situated 1400 meters above sea level in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
- ›Construction began after the completion of Genting Highlands Resort in 1975 and was completed over 18 years.
- ›The temple was founded by LIM Goh Tong, who also served as its planner, architect, designer, contractor, and supervisor.
- ›A statue of Master Qingshui, a revered monk known for miraculous abilities, is housed within the temple.
- ›The temple features tall red columns, an ornamental roof, and exterior inscriptions detailing Reverend Chin Swee's life.
- ›The 'Dragon Mineral Water' from a natural rock and man-made stream within the temple is believed to have healing properties.
Important Relationships
- Lim Goh Tong
- Genting Group
- Lim Kok Thay
Statue of Master Qingshui, Dragon Mineral Water, Tall Red Columns, Ornamental Roof, Exterior Inscriptions, Massive Statue of Buddha
- Construction Began After Genting Highlands Resort Completion In 1975
- Officially Opened On March 29, 1994
Traditional Chinese
About Chin Swee Caves Temple
The Chin Swee Caves Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple situated in the scenic Genting Highlands of Pahang, Malaysia. It occupies a 28-acre plot of forested, rocky land generously donated by Lim Goh Tong, the founder of the Genting Group. Perched at an elevation of 1400 meters above sea level, the temple is a popular destination for numerous local and international devotees traveling from countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Indonesia.
History and Construction
The genesis of the Chin Swee Caves Temple can be traced back to 1975, following the completion of the Genting Highlands Resort. Lim Goh Tong, along with a group of friends and clan members from Fujian Province, China, established the Chin Swee Temple Society to oversee the temple's development. Lim Goh Tong personally donated the land and, despite the challenging steep and rocky terrain that hampered the use of modern machinery, personally oversaw the construction. Opting for manual labor, his team undertook the arduous task of excavating foundations up to 100 feet deep. The temple was eventually completed over an 18-year period, remarkably without any reported casualties or work-related accidents.
Features and Significance
The temple's first phase of development resulted in an imposing traditional structure. A large statue of Buddha stands behind the main building, and the temple is adorned with tall red columns supporting an ornamental roof. The exterior walls bear inscriptions detailing the life and charitable works of Reverend Chin Swee. Inside, the statue of Reverend Chin Swee is positioned according to feng shui principles, facing south. Behind the statue, a natural rock formation is integrated with a man-made flowing stream, from which "Dragon Mineral Water" is sourced. This water is believed to possess healing properties. The birthday of Reverend Chin Swee, celebrated for ten days starting from the first day of the Lunar New Year, is a significant occasion for the temple, which also aims to showcase Malaysian Chinese culture through various events.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Chin Swee Caves Temple located?
The Chin Swee Caves Temple is located in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. It is situated on a rocky, forested plot of land approximately 1400 meters above sea level, a short drive from the mountain's peak.
Who founded the Chin Swee Caves Temple?
The temple was founded by Lim Goh Tong, the visionary behind Genting Highlands. He initiated the construction after completing the Genting Highlands Resort in 1975.
What are the main features of the Chin Swee Caves Temple?
Key features include a statue of Master Qingshui, tall red columns supporting an ornamental roof, and exterior inscriptions depicting the Reverend Chin Swee's life. The temple also has a unique 'Dragon Mineral Water' feature.
How long did it take to build the Chin Swee Caves Temple?
The construction of the temple was a lengthy and challenging process due to the steep and rocky terrain. It took approximately 18 years to complete.
What is the significance of Master Qingshui at the temple?
Master Qingshui is a Buddhist monk deeply worshipped as a deity in Fujian Province, China, for his legendary abilities to summon rain and subdue evil spirits. His statue is a central figure within the temple.
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