Thay Hin Bio Temple

Origins and Founding Period

Vihara Thay Hin Bio has roots dating back to the mid-19th century. Although some oral accounts mention religious activities at this location existed earlier, administratively and physically, the formal construction of this temple is linked to the arrival of Chinese migrants who settled in the coastal area of Teluk Betung. Based on local historical records, the temple was founded around 1850 by a figure named Poey Khoen.

The name "Thay Hin Bio" itself carries a deep philosophical meaning: "Thay" means great or grand, "Hin" means glory or prosperity, and "Bio" means temple. Literally, the name reflects prayers and hopes that the place becomes a grand center of glory for its devotees. Since its inception, this place has served as a community center for Chinese residents who worked as traders and fishermen around the Teluk Betung port.

Architecture and Construction Details

In terms of architecture, Vihara Thay Hin Bio exhibits a strong Southern Chinese traditional style, with a dominance of red and gold colors symbolizing happiness and prosperity. The building structure follows the symmetrical principles common in ancient Chinese temples.

One of the most striking features is its curved roof (Ngou-Hian-Ang type) with dragon (Liong) and phoenix (Fenghuang) ornaments facing each other above the ridge. The dragon symbolizes masculine power (Yang) and protection, while the phoenix symbolizes feminine grace (Yin). At the main entrance, visitors are greeted by a pair of stone guardian lion statues (Cishi), believed to ward off calamities and negative energy.

The interior of the temple is divided into several altars. The main altar is dedicated to Dewi Kwan Im (Avalokitesvara), the goddess of compassion. The supporting wooden beams of the building are made of high-quality teak wood that has endured for over a century and a half. The carvings on the walls and pillars tell stories of ancient Chinese legends and moral teachings that have retained their authenticity despite undergoing several renovations.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Vihara Thay Hin Bio has a very close historical connection with Indonesia's most catastrophic natural event, the eruption of Mount Krakatau in 1883. When the giant tsunami triggered by the Krakatau explosion swept through the Teluk Betung coast, the area around the temple was devastated. However, according to historical records and local oral traditions, the main structure of Vihara Thay Hin Bio remained standing strong amidst the rubble of other buildings that were razed to the ground.

The miracle of the temple's survival from the Krakatau tsunami made it a refuge for the surrounding residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. This event strengthened Thay Hin Bio's position not only as a place of worship but as a symbol of resilience and brotherhood for the people of Lampung during times of crisis. Another unique fact is the presence of a large bell and ritual equipment inside the temple, which are reportedly original items that survived the 1883 event.

Related Figures and Periods

Besides Poey Khoen as the initial founder, the temple has been managed by successive generations through foundations dedicated to preserving Chinese cultural heritage in Lampung. During the Dutch colonial era, the temple was under the supervision of the Majoor der Chinezen or Kapitein der Chinezen, who were responsible for managing the affairs of the Chinese community in the Lampung Residency area.

During the New Order era, the temple experienced restrictions on cultural activities, similar to other Chinese sites in Indonesia. However, after the reform era in 1998, Vihara Thay Hin Bio once again became a vibrant center for religious celebrations, such as Imlek and Cap Go Meh, which have now become part of Bandar Lampung City's annual tourism agenda.

Preservation and Restoration Status

As one of the oldest buildings in Bandar Lampung, Vihara Thay Hin Bio has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site by the local government. Although it has undergone several renovations—especially to the floor and repainting—the core structure of the building has been maintained in its original form.

Restoration efforts are carried out very carefully to ensure that new materials do not damage the historical value of the building. For example, the floor tiles used now still follow classic patterns, and the cleaning of ancient artifacts is done by experts to prevent damage to the patina or historical layers attached to the ritual objects.

Cultural and Religious Value

For the people of Lampung, Vihara Thay Hin Bio is a symbol of tolerance. Its location in a heterogeneous area shows how spiritual values can coexist with modern urban dynamics. Religiously, the temple remains a primary place of worship for Buddhists in Lampung, especially during major holidays like Waisak.

The existence of this temple also contributes significantly to the identity of "Teluk Betung" as an old town area in Bandar Lampung. Its unique history, from surviving the Krakatau eruption to becoming a center of cultural acculturation, makes Vihara Thay Hin Bio an important object of study for historians and architects who wish to learn about the diaspora of the Chinese people on the island of Sumatra.

In conclusion, Vihara Thay Hin Bio is not just an old building with magnificent architecture. It is a holder of the collective memory of the people of Lampung about resilience in facing disasters, beauty in diversity, and steadfastness in preserving traditions amidst the ever-changing currents of time. Visiting this temple is an effort to reweave the threads of history that shape Bandar Lampung's identity today.