Photo InventoryThien Hau Temple

Jennifer MendezAnthropology 121Dr. Leanna Wolfe

September 23,2012

Thien Hau TempleThis temple is a Taoist Temple located in Chinatown, Los Angeles. This temple is dedicated to their goddess Mazu, goddess of the sea and it also dedicated to Guan Yu god of wars, brotherhood, righteousness, and also to Fu De god of the earth, merit, and wealth. They each have their own shrines in this temple along with Guan Yin and Di Zang.

Statue This is a statue found outside of the temple, this is one of the guardians.It is a female guardian and the image you see on its foot is a baby.

Joss SticksIn this bronze tripod you might see members of the this temple burning their joss sticks ( a type of incense) which they later burn before a shrine in the temple.

Overview of the templeThey have ornaments hanging from the ceiling of the temple.They have many areas where they kneel and worship and many shrines of all the gods and goddesses.

Incense SticksThese three sculptures represent the three incense sticks that you are suppose to light for each Buddha that you plan to pray to, during a special occasion. Normally , you only light one incense stick for each buddha you are going to pray to.

AltarsThese are alters , where people kneel and pray. There are several of there around the temple.Altars are places for offerings , prayer, and divination.

Inside the templeThey have many ornaments such as these hanging from the ceiling all around the temple. These ornaments consist of the colors red &gold which in their culture means good fortune.

OfferingsThis is the main altar where most of the offerings are placed. The fruits are offerings which the temple collects and later uses to feed the less fortunate on temple feast days. Some patrons place personal buddhas on walls.

Mazu : Goddess of the SeaMazu is the main goddess of this temple. She is the goddess of the sea. Her shrine is located near the shrines of other gods and goddesses. She is the goddess of the sea because it is said that she is one of the goddesses who protected the Vietnamese while they were out at sea. They leave offerings to these goddesses near their shrines.

OfferingsThis is where the people put their offerings to their Goddess Mazu: Goddess of the Sea. They leave fruits and vegetables and things they want to be blessed.After you are done praying to the goddess, you can place your incense stick by her statue.