OUR STORY
About Temple of Fine Arts
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Art, Just for the Love of It
The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) is a cultural institution where all arts, and the Indian arts in particular, are cherished, taught, practiced and offered back to the community — just for the love of it.
Founded in 1981 by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi, The Temple of Fine Arts was born from a profound belief that the arts have the power to transform, uplift and unite. The institution was established not as a commercial enterprise, but as a sacred space where tradition meets devotion.
The Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) tradition forms the bedrock of all learning at TFA. This ancient pedagogical model emphasises not just technical mastery, but the cultivation of discipline, humility, and a deep personal relationship with one’s art form.
OUR FOUNDER
His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi
His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi, fondly referred to as Swamiji, founded the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) in 1981. With the intent of uplifting mankind through the arts, TFA was established to allow both student and teacher to grow with inner peace and joy.
His unique vision has allowed the young and old alike, to rediscover the magnificent cultural and artistic heritage of India through the TFA institutions established all over the world.
Founding Directors
The Pillars of TFA
Alongside Swamiji, these visionary artist-directors devoted their lives to establishing and nurturing the Temple of Fine Arts from its very first days.
Master Gopal Shetty
Founding Director - Bharatanatyam
Master K. Gopalakrishnan, widely known as Master Gopal, was among the earliest and most devoted disciples of Swamiji to help establish the Temple of Fine Arts. A classically trained Bharatanatyam exponent of the highest order, he brought exceptional artistic integrity and dedication to TFA’s founding vision.
Alongside his wife Radha Akka, Master Gopal was instrumental in shaping TFA’s dance curriculum and its unique pedagogical approach rooted in the Guru-Shishya tradition. Together they mentored generations of students, leaving an indelible mark on the institution’s artistic identity.
Master V.K. Sivadas
Founding Director - Classical Dance
Master V.K. Sivadas was a founding pillar of the Temple of Fine Arts, bringing with him a deep mastery of Indian classical dance and an unwavering commitment to the spiritual dimension of the arts. His artistry and devotion were a cornerstone of TFA’s early years and growth.
With his wife Vatsala Akka by his side, Master Sivadas helped build TFA’s performing arts foundation, nurturing young talents, staging landmark productions, and carrying Swamiji’s vision of art as a sacred offering to audiences across Malaysia and beyond.
OUR JOURNEY
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
1981
The Beginning
Temple of Fine Arts is established in Kuala Lumpur by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi with a vision to preserve and promote Indian classical arts.
1990s
Growth & Recognition
Temple of Fine Arts is established in Kuala Lumpur by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi with a vision to preserve and promote Indian classical arts.
2000s
International Stage
Temple of Fine Arts is established in Kuala Lumpur by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi with a vision to preserve and promote Indian classical arts.
2010s
Artistic Innovation
Temple of Fine Arts is established in Kuala Lumpur by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi with a vision to preserve and promote Indian classical arts.
2020s
Legacy Continues
Temple of Fine Arts is established in Kuala Lumpur by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi with a vision to preserve and promote Indian classical arts.
OUR VALUES
Guiding Principles
Devotion
Art as an offering — practiced with love, humility and spiritual intention.
Tradition
Preserving the ancient Guru-Shishya lineage while embracing thoughtful evolution.
Inclusivity
Open to all races, religions and backgrounds — united by a shared love for art.
Service
Art in service of community, not commerce. TFA operates as a non-profit institution.
Senior Directors
Guardians of the Legacy
Three extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to the arts and to TFA — honoured as pioneer dance gurus of Temple of Fine Arts International.
Smt. Radha Gopal Shetty
Senior Director
Wife of the late Master Gopal Shetty, Smt. Radha Gopal Shetty has been a pillar of TFA since its earliest days. A devoted Bharatanatyam practitioner and teacher, she carried forward the artistic vision of her husband, mentoring countless students across generations. Her grace, dedication and unwavering commitment to TFA’s founding values have made her one of the institution’s most beloved figures.
Smt. Vatsala Sivadas
Senior Director
Wife of the late Master V.K. Sivadas, Smt. Vatsala Sivadas has been a steadfast guardian of TFA’s dance heritage for over four decades. A gifted classical dance exponent and teacher in her own right, she played an integral role in nurturing TFA’s artistic culture and community spirit. Her warmth and wisdom continue to inspire students and faculty alike throughout the institution.
Smt. Thavamalar Gunaratnam
Senior Dance Director
Smt. Thavamalar Gunaratnam is one of TFA’s most cherished and long-serving dance directors, bringing with her decades of expertise in Bharatanatyam and Indian classical dance. A beloved guru to hundreds of students, she has been instrumental in shaping TFA’s dance programmes and maintaining the high artistic standards that define the institution. Her passion for the art form and her students is boundless.