Chen Shi Shu Yuan-Kuala Lumpur / 陳氏書院-吉隆坡

Chen Shi Shu Yuan-Kuala Lumpur / 陳氏書院-吉隆坡

Commonly known as Chan She Shu Yuen and translated to english as the Chan Clansmen Study Hall. This temple is also known as the green temple of Kuala Lumpur. This is due to its green tiles that form its roof. This temple is also the clan association of chinese people with the surnames of Chen, Chin, Chan and Tan / 陳 from the bloodline of Emperor Shun / 舜帝.

The association was founded in 1896 by four members of the clans whom are also pioneer business figure in Kuala Lumpur then. They were Chen Xiu Lian / 陳秀連 aka Chan Sow Lin, Chen Xin Xi / 陳新禧, Chen Chun / 陳春 and Chen Zai Tian / 陳在田.

Construction of the temple began in 1896 and was completed in 1906. It was modelled after the Chan ancestral temple in Guangzhou, China.

Its architecture features a roof of Guang-Tong pottery that has many miniature chinese deity / figurine depicting events in Chinese mythology.

The courtyard is located inside the temple. Sitting by a coffee table inside, the city life and noise just got disconnected. The feeling of peace will seeps in. While admiring the painting and craft works within, it does give you a good feeling of those great old days.

The main altar is enshrined with three statue of the early Chen ancestors. Sitting on the centre of this main altar is Emperor Shun / 舜帝 while the statue on the right is Chung Hua Master, Chen Hu Man Gong / 陳胡满公, and on the left is Kai Zhang Sheng Wang 開漳聖王 whose real name is Chen Yuan Guang / 陳元光.

On both side of the main altar, there is also other altars with rows of ancestral tablet of their clansmen.

Below:- Beautifully crafted art piece in the interior.