About Us

The Temple of Fine Arts is a culturally and service oriented organization which has centers in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Chennai, Coimbatore and Perth.  Today, we are a well known organization in our respective countries, recognized and respected as an institution whose primary motive is that of service.

Our story, is simply the story of one man who touched the hearts and lives of many. One man whose unconditional love for mankind inspired us to love, serve and give.

In 1971, a young Hindu monk by the name of Swami Shantanand arrived for the first time in Malaysia with a prayer to his master Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh:  "Dear Master, I do not know why you have brought me here, but let me be worthy of your love and grace".

In Kuala Lumpur, he was hosted by a family and through them met  a number of families. His gatherings were filled with songs in praise of God and his talks illuminated almost every conceivable subject pertinent to life and living but most of all, it was the way he spoke God's love that filled the hearts of those who heard him. 

His approach was all embracing and his ideology simple: "Follow any path, religion or doctrine, but believe in it sincerely, because the sincerity of your belief will illuminate and guide you to the ultimate common goal - God"

He taught the universal message found in all religions: Love for GOD and service to mankind.

Soon by word of mouth, his following spread from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Johor Bahru, Singapore and gradually to Perth and Melbourne in Australia. As some time passed by, a core of some one hundred families became his regular followers in each centre and over a period of ten years, these followers  were affectionately referred to as the Shiva Family.

The Shiva family comprised many youngsters and Swamiji felt the urge to begin a cultural centre so that the children in the group would learn dance and music and thereby preserve something of their rich cultural heritage.