21.Thian Hock Keng Temple 天福宫 (Temple of Heavenly Happiness)

Claimed to be the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore, this place of worship houses a number of relics, some reputed to be several centuries old, which have been brought over from China. It was gazetted as a national monument on 6 July 1973. Thian Hock Keng has undergone several renovations, the latest in 1998.

Pricked by tao-victor with Nomao

Completed in 1842 to replace a simple joss-house built some two decades earlier, not a single nail had been used in the construction, not even for its pagoda-shaped roofs. Instead the entire structure is supported by iron-wood posts and granite imported from China. The temple boasts of gilded carvings, tile roofs adorned with dragons and phoenixes, intricate sculptures from China, pretty blue porcelain tiles from the Netherlands, and cast-iron railings from Scotland. The early builders understood well the significance shapes play in temple architecture, and the Thian Hock Keng is a fine example. It has windows that are circular to symbolize heaven, square to symbolize the earth, and tiles which were meticulously laid out either in square patterns to symbolize the mouth, implying that one would never go hungry here, or in an upside down “V” pattern, symbolizing “ren”, the Chinese word for “men”, to suggest that one can regard this place as a sanctuary.


According to Geraldene Lowe in her book, “Chinatown Memories”, some materials used in the construction of the temple had been salvaged from junks plying between China and Singapore. Crockery broken during the rough journey were recycled too, turning up as mosaic pieces adorning the feathers of birds, petals of flowers and on other ornaments dotted throughout the temple.


Tan Tock Seng who contributed $3,0474.76, then a princely sum, for the temple building fund, topped the donor’s list. This information, along with that on the founding of the temple, are inscribed on plaques installed near the main entrance.

Guarding the majestic entrance to the temple are two stone lions. The female one holds a cup representing fertility while her male counterpart holds a ball, symbolizing abundance. Before entering the temple, a devotee has to cross a rather high threshold. This is deliberate. For one thing, it forces him to cast his sight downward, an expression of humility, as is expected when one enters a sacred building. Another purpose is to keep out wandering malevolent spirits – it is believed that ghosts shuffle when they move, so this threshold was placed to trip them up. The more pragmatic would explain that the threshold is keep flood waters at bay, since the area was susceptible to flooding.


One of the main deities in the Thian Hock Keng is Mazu (Goddess of Seafarers/Patron of Sailors). She is accompanied by her two sentinels, one with vision that spans 1,000 miles and another gifted with ears that could hear 1,000 miles away. Years before the land in front of Telok Ayer basin was reclaimed and named Collyer Quay, Hokkien immigrants would step out of their junks somewhere behind Telok Ayer Street, possibly very close to the Ying Fo Kuan, a Hakka Association Hall established in 1822. Fresh off the boat, these chaps would invariably head for a “joss house” to give thanks to the Gods for their safe arrival after a long journey across the treacherous South China Sea. That was how the joss house at Telok Ayer Street, precursor to the Thian Hock Keng, came to be erected.

An exquisite likeness of Mazu was said to have been brought to Singapore from Amoy (Xiamen) in 1840. An elaborate procession was held that day as the Goddess made her way from the waterfront to grace the then newly-completed temple in Telok Ayer Street. Several other deities are worshipped in the Thian Hock Keng, among them Confucius, the God of Wealth, the God of Health, the Goddess of Mercy, the Sun God and the Moon Goddess.


Two pagodas flanked the Thian Hock Keng – the one to the right, nearer to Boon Tat Street, is said to contain ancestral tablets of a group of Hokkiens from the same village in Amoy who had landed in Malacca. Those men continued to keep in touch with each other after settling in Singapore. Today some of their male descendants still carry on this tradition of holding reunions, opening up the shrine on the eve of Chap Goh Meh, Cheng Beng Festival and Hungry Ghost Festival. The other pagoda nearer to Amoy Street had been the kindergarten section of a girl’s school in the 1970s. It has now been converted into a café cum souvenir shop. The two pagodas have very striking roofs – they are red and shaped like a gourd. The significance of the gourd-shape is explained at length in Geraldene’s book. She wrote that before glass and porcelain had been invented, medicines were stored in gourds which had been left to dry. As such, gourd-shaped talismans worn on the body were believed to have the power to protect its wearer from diabolical forces out to wreak havoc on one’s health. Eventually some temple roofs took on this shape too – to indicate that there is a herbalist or physician on site. Perched high above other buildings, and with such a striking colour, it was easy for people to spot such a temple.

Thian Hock Keng is managed by the Hokkien Huay Kuan (Association for the Hokkien dialect group), located just across the road. Originally, this dialect association was housed in the temple itself. Tan Tock Seng’s son, Kim Cheng, was the association’s pioneer President. During his tenure, the temple cum huay kuan was the focal point of the Hokkien community, serving not only as a place of worship, but also as a meeting place for the community, a recruitment centre for coolies as well as a safe-house from unruly elements.


Location:
158 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068613
Tel: 6423-4616; 6222-2651

20. Wan Shou Shan Kun Cheng Tang 万寿山堃成堂

For more than 40 years, I passed this temple, first by walking up the path to Mt Faber, and later driving past, but I did not get to visit the temple until December 2005. From a temple with a great fengshui with a hill behind with lots of trees and nothing else, and looking down the valley or foothill with the attap houses, this temple is now dwarfed by the surrounding HDB flats.

There are actually two temples in this complex. This one at the lower level, is the Wan Shou Shan Kun Cheng Tang 万寿山堃成堂. Both temples are dedicated to the 18-Hand Guan Yin, with many other Deities as well.

From the main signage above the door, it was crafted in the year Guang Xu 光绪 6 year, that is the 6th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (Kuang Hsu). This penultimate Qing emperor ruled China from 1875 to 1908 - hence that would make the date of establishment of this temple, 1881. This would make the temple about 125 years old. The structure looked neo-modern with tiles of the Peranakan age.

An old lady was walking around keeping the place clean. A little bent, she was a very friendly lady, offering explanations here and there. So, I took the opportunity to ask about the temple. I asked her how long she had stayed in this temple. She said that she was there since the age of 5 when her suhu (sifu - master) brought her there. She said that she's 84 years old and her name is Chua Peng Nyet. The suhu, whom she showed us from the picture, was a Peranakan Nyonya from Penang, Chew Nee Lock, who passed away in 1970.

She also showed us a picture of her suhu (sifu)'s suhu,Teh Chit Yee, a Teochew lady . The picture showed a more traditional Chinese picture, but she could well be another Peranakan.

The temple is very old and there are many artifacts of heritage value. I hope that they will be preserved and not thrown away unknowingly. (^^) There was a bell which indicated that it was made in 1908. The boards showing the donors were so old with age, or covered with soot that I could not make out the names. Interestingly, the lady told us that in November, a devotee actually donated a kind of chandelier to the temple!

There were many old statues that were kept in the temple and they were still being worshipped. From what I understood from the lady, some were abandoned and some were left behind for safekeeping by devotees whom the temple knew. Apparently, when a house is under renovation, the temple is a good place to place the statues of the Deities.

The lady kept asking if we would like to have tea. Ah, such hospitality is hard to find in temples these days. In the old days, or my younger days, when I used to walk the entire length of Mt. Faber, I would always stop by the temples. Why? They serve tea to the "weary travellers". (^^)

19. Jalan Kayu Ban Kok Sua Chong Yee Temple 万国山忠义庙

This present Jalan Kayu Ban Kok Sua Chong Yee Beo [Wan Guo Shan Zhong Yi Miao] 万国山忠义庙, has been at this place since 1964. The main Deity of this temple is Guan Gong, known as Hup Tian Dai Deh [Xie Tian Da Di 协天大帝]. The Guan Di statue was actually from the Guan Di temple in Dong Shan 东山, Fujian. This temple was said to be the springboard for the Guan Di temples in Taiwan, and possibly South East Asia.

After the statue was brought from Dong Shan, it was placed in the Guan Di temple in Paya Lebar, called Chai Shan 柴山. In the 1950s, a group of elders started building a temple, an attap hut, in Jalan Kayu. It seems that this place was called Man Kok Sua [Wan Guo Shan 万国山] In 1962, efforts to rebuild the temple were made and it was built in 1964.

On the land where the attap hut temple was built, it was said that during the old days, there was an angmo, who probably owned this land, and he was ill. He consulted the Guan Di through the medium and was cured. In return, he gave the land for them to build the temple.

In 1984, a new executive committee started recruiting members for the temple, and each year in the Lunar Calendar of 3rd month and 6th month, the temple celebrates the birthday of Xie Tian Da Di 协天大帝 and Xuan Tian Shang Di 玄天上帝 and other Gods

In the old days, the temple was surrounded by farmlands and villages. Now, most of these are gone. But the former residents still come back to the temple, especially during the festive days.

The temple is now raising funds, expecting to move to a new site in the near future. It is now one of the few remaining kampung (village) temples with the timeless village atmosphere.

Jalan Kayu Wan Kuo Shan Zhong Yi Miao
374L Seletar West Farmway 6
Off Jalan Kayu
Singapore 798039
Tel: 6483-2401

Consultations:
Xie Tian Shang Di 协天大帝:
Every Wednesday and Friday, 1st and 15th of Lunar Month, from 2pm
Da Er Ye Bo 大二爷伯, Bao Gong Da Ren 包公大人:
Every Friday, 1st and 15th of Lunar Month, from 8pm

Celebrations:
Jade Emperor: 9th Day of First Lunar Month
Xuan Tian Shang Di玄天大帝 : 5th-7th of 3rd Lunar Month
Xie Tian Da Di 协天大帝: 10-12th of 6th Lunar Month
Da Er San Ye Bo 大二三爷伯: 11th of 4th Lunar Month

18. Chwee Kang Beo 水江庙

By the side of the Kallang River is a temple, known in Hokkien as Chwee Kang Beo, or Shui Jiang Miao in Mandarin, 水江庙.

This temple is dedicated to the Stone Lion City God. There are four main Deities in this temple, Shi Shi Qi Wang Ye 石狮七王爷, Shi Shi Cheng Huang Gong 石狮城隍公, San Jiang Da Pu Gong 三江大普公 and Da Bo Gong 大伯公.

The celebrations for Shi Shi Qi Wang Ye and Shi Shi Cheng Huang Gong is on the 28th of 5th Lunar Month. For San Jiang Da Shan Gong and Da Bo Gong, it is 15th of 11th Lunar Month.

In the temple, there was also the Horse General at the side of the main building. Next to the Tiger God's cave is a boat.

From a report in the Shin Ming Daily, 4 July 2005, Monday (Page 7), there was an interesting story from this temple, from which I did a rough translation:

Shui Jiang Miao 水江庙　celebrates in honour of Stone Lion City God (Shi Shi Cheng Huang Gong　石狮城隍公) and the Seven Lords (Qi Wang Ye 七王爷)

The main Deity of Shui Jiang Miao (Chwee Kang Beo in Hokkien) is Da Pu Gong　大普公. The Shi Shi Sheng Huang is also equally famous and has been in the temple for the past 40 years.

Every year, on the 27th to 29th of 5th Lunar Month, the Shui Jiang Miao celebrates in honour of Shi Shi Sheng Huang Gong and Qi Wang Ye.

The Qi Wang Ye are good assistants to the Sheng Huang. In the Sui Jiang Miao, only the Qi Wang Ye could be consulted through the medium. For the rest of the gods, they communicate through the sedan chair.

The story of the Stone Lion Sheng Huang in Shui Jiang Miao goes like this. In 1965, a old worshipper went to Stone Lion (Shi Shi 石狮), Quan Zhou 泉州, Fujian 福建, brought back a statue of Cheng Huang and wanted to have it consecrated (kai-guang 开光) before bringing home. When the medium was about to kai-guang, the Sheng Huang (appeared in the medium) wanted to remain in the Shui Jiang Miao. So, the worshipper left the statue in the temple. That's how the Stone Lion Cheng Huang stayed in the temple. As the Sheng Huang was originally a water-ghost, he probably would like to stay in this temple which is by the waters.

Wearing the Yellow Robe, the Water-ghost becomes the City God

Legend has it that once there was a water-ghost looking for a body to take over so that he could be reincarnated. He found a person with good features, but upon checking on his future, he found that this person had a very good fortune. He would become a uncorrupted official. He decided not to take over his body but to live in his body. He followed him and took care of him.

A few years later this person passed the imperial exam and become an imperial official -Zhuang Yuan 状元. One day, the Emperor called him up and took a liking to him. He offered him a seat and tea. When the person wanted to drink his first mouthful, he remembered the water-ghost who had protected him all the way. He threw the tea behind the door for the water-ghost to drink first. When the emperor noticed his unusual act, he asked for the reason. He was told about the water-ghost who was hiding behind the door. The Emperor wanted to see the ghost but was told that he had no clothes on and dared not come out. The Emperor then took out his robe and asked the water-ghost to wear it and come up. Hence the water-ghost became the Cheng Huang.


Interesting note:
I was told that the Cantonese has this phrase to illustrate a person who tries to be someone big: Shui Gui Sheng Cheng Huang (水鬼升城隍）Shui Kuai Sing Seng Wong (Cantonese). Anyone heard of this? (^^)

This temple was built and opened on 22 December, 1999.

The address: 801 Upper Boon Keng Rd, Singapore 387310
Tel: 6748 9782
Fax: 6749 4297

Book: Chinese Temples in Singapore 庙宇文化

On 8 Dec 2005, Shin Min Daily, a local Chinese Newspaper in Singapore launched its first book on Chinese Temples in Singapore, Miao Yu Wen Hua 庙宇文化. This book covers some 38 temples in Singapore. The book is available in most bookshops and newspaper stands at S$5 each.

This book, written in Chinese, gives the readers a glimpse of the Chinese temples in Singapore and their history. A couple of the reported temples are already more than a hundred years old.

17. Wak Hai Cheng Beo (Yueh Hai Ching Temple) 粤海清庙

Reputed to be the oldest temple established by the Teochew community in Singapore, this building came under the management of the Ngee Ann Kongsi, a Teochew association, in 1845. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1997.


A large part of the temple was constructed with rosewood imported from China. Intricate designs of Chinese legendary figures can be found on the walls and eaves of the building. There is even a wooden plaque presented in 1907 by Emperor Guang Xu of the Qing dynasty hanging in the temple.

Although the temple is centuries-old and showing signs of wear-and-tear, it still attracts a sizeable number of devotees and tourists, many of whom would marvel at the majestic courtyard and the fine craftsmanship evident throughout the building. No photo-taking is allowed inside the temple.

The temple has two halls - one devoted to Tian Hou Gong (left, as you walk towards the temple) and the other to Shang Di Gong (on the right). Among the deities at the Tian Hou Gong is Zu Shen Niang Niang, a goddess favoured by couples hoping for a child and parents seeking blessings from the goddess for their children. The main deity, however, is Tian Hou Sheng Mu (Ma Chor/Mazu/Goddess of the Sea/Heavenly Mother). To her right is Long Wei Sheng Wang and on her left is Gan Tian Da Di.

At the Shang Di Gong, the main deity is Xuan Tian Shang Di (Heavenly Father) and in front, to his left, is the Tai Sui.

The temple sees many devotees on the 1st and 15th day of the month, as well as on the 3rd and 23rd day of the third lunar month, when the birthdays of the Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother are celebrated. Some devotees would buy the “pyramid” joss stick (the Hokkiens call it “pagoda” joss-stick), paste their name inscribed on a piece of red paper onto the joss-stick, then hand it to the temple official to hang in the courtyard.


On the eve of Chap Goh Meh (15th day of the first lunar month), crowds can be expected. Extra containers would be placed around the courtyard for devotees to burn their offerings. The heady scent of sandalwood emanating from the lighted pagoda joss-sticks above would fill the night air. At the hall of the Tian Hou Gong, flags and lanterns would be placed on the altar. Devotees wishing to bring these objects of veneration home would have to seek the Gods’ favour by tossing two kidney-shaped divination blocks. Only if consent is granted could they bring either object back, and the devotees would also equip themselves with joss-sticks which have to be kept alight throughout the journey. Thus some devotees would bring along extra sets of joss-sticks as replenishment, or simply carry an extra long one.

Another major celebration at the Wak Hai Cheng Beo takes place towards the end of the year when thanksgiving prayers are made to the Tai Sui and Confucius. A set of prayer paraphernalia (comprising a big bundle of joss-paper and 3 joss-sticks) costs S$6.00 for the Tai Sui and S$2.50 for Confucius (a smaller bundle of joss-paper and 3 joss-sticks).

The statue of Confucius, depicted here as a mandarin with a bushy black beard and holding an ancient booklet, is just in front of Xuan Tian Shang Di. He is a favourite with school-children – one by one, the children, holding their bundle of joss-paper and joss-sticks, would kneel before Confucius as the temple official chants a prayer in Teochew. That done, the child would plant the joss-sticks at Confucius’ altar before consigning the joss-paper, on which their name and school had been written, to the flames. In return, the children would be presented with a pencil, exercise book and ruler, and the blessed assurance of Confucius.

Location:
30B Phillip Street
Singapore 048696

16. Poh An Keng 保安宫

This temple was consecrated in 2004, a temple dedicated to the five Monkey Gods. Unknown to many, this temple was originally in a old pre-war shophouse at Peck Seah Street, diagonally across from the Seng Wong Beo. This temple was already there in the 1950s.

Since it moved out from Peck Seah St, it has gone to more than one or two places before finally settling into this new temple building, shared with two other temples. Thanks to a generous benefactor, who wanted to repay the kindness of the Monkey God, the medium and temple who help his mother and family when they were poor, this new grand temple was possible.

The medium then was the grandfather of the current medium.

This temple is along Tampines Road.

15. Fu De Tang 福德堂

Diagonally across to the Geok Hong Tian along Havelock Road, is a small Fu De Tang 福德堂　standing quietly (next to Meinhardt), almost unnoticeable!

An old lady keeper of the temple said that "it's more than 80 years old." When we asked about the name, she said that long ago, someone went to Kusu Island to bring the "joss-fire" to set up the temple here as many could not make the small boat trip to Kusu Island, hence the name Gui Yu Da Bo Gong　龟屿大伯公 (Kusu Tua Pek Kong). In those days, probably there's no big motorised boats. (^^).

She said that the Kusu Island Da Bo Gong is more than a hundred years old.

14. Kusu Island Temple 龟屿大伯公.

There is a Chinese temple and a Malay shrine on this 85,000 square metres island (about the size of 13 football fields) located 5.6 km south of the main island of Singapore. To reach it, you have to board a ferry from Sentosa ferry terminal. The boat trip takes about 45 minutes one-way, and a round trip costs S$9 for an adult and S$6 for a child (3 to 12 years). The Sentosa admission charge is waived for visitors who buy the Kusu Island ferry ticket upon entry. No overnight camping is allowed on Kusu Island unlike the nearby St John's Island.

“Kusu Island” means “Tortoise Island” in Hokkien. Other names have been associated with this island too, among them Peak Island, Governor’s Island and Pulau Tembakul. There are several legends on how Kusu Island was so named. One popular tale is that of a tortoise transforming itself into an island to save two shipwrecked fishermen, a Malay and a Chinese, who had earlier rescued it from the Lau Pa Sat market. The fishermen had noticed tears dripping from the tortoise’s eyes, and decided to buy it, and then released it back to the sea. They did not know that it was an enchanted tortoise until its extraordinary manifestation during the storm. Out of gratitude, the two fishermen returned the following year to make offerings on Kusu Island. Soon other people followed suit.

At the time of writing, the Chinese temple on Kusu Island is looked after by Mdm Sim Chwee Eng, a 76-year old widow, and her 57-year old son, Seet Seng Huat. The Seet family has been taking care of the temple for the last five generations. They used to live in an attap hut on the island. Over the years, this has been upgraded to a brick and mortar dwelling next to the temple. How did this responsibility fell on the family? According to Mdm Sim, her husband’s ancestors were boatmen and fishermen. They used to seek shelter on the island during inclement weather - there is a Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity) statue on their boat. One day, the Tua Pek Kong spirit entered his ancestor and disclosed that he wanted to reside on Kusu Island. Complying, the ancestor built a modest shrine there.

By and by, more people came to know of this Tua Pek Kong and one man who used to be a bullock-cart puller, became wealthy after praying to this deity. This was probably during the 1920's. He had promised to upgrade the shrine, but did not do anything about it until the Tua Pek Kong reminded him, in a dream, of the pledge he had made.

Before 1975, boats would berth right at the doorstep of the temple. Land was reclaimed in 1976, and now the jetty is some distance from the temple. The temple housed seven types of deities - besides Tua Pek Kong who occupies the central altar, there are the Jade Emperor; Goddess of Mercy; Eight Immortals; Kuan Kong (God of War); Tai Seng Yah (Monkey God); and the Tiger God/s. Now there is even a wishing well on the compound leading to the temple - where visitors are encouraged to make a wish, toss a coin which hopefully will hit one of the bells inside the well, ringing in the good luck sought.

There are two pythons caged up in the temple, as well as two ponds containing tortoises. According to Mdm Sim, many tortoises were released here by members of the public so she has no choice but to do what she could to feed and housed these creatures, at her own expense.

There is a food complex built between the temple and the Keramats’ (holy men/women) shrine. But this food centre only comes alive during the Kusu pilgrimage season during the Chinese 9th lunar month when about 120,000 devotees would converge on the island. Hence at other times, visitors who are hungry can order simple dishes such as a plate of fried vermicelli from Mdm Sim, at S$10 per plate. On a typical weekday, only about twenty visitors, mostly tourists, would visit the island.

To reach the Keramats’ shrine, one has to climb 152 steps. The shrine houses the remains of Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother Nenek Ghalib and his sister, Puteri Fatimah. They had lived around the time of Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century. Devotees would pray to these Keramats for wealth, fertility, good marriage, and good health. As a mark of respect, visitors to the shrine would usually avoid having any dishes containing pork before making the trip.

Although there are Muslim symbols around this shrine - the star and crescent moon being the most obvious - the prayer ritual was rather "unusual". Devotees could "tiam yew" just like in the Taoist temples - i.e. for a small donation, the Malay caretaker would add oil to the lamps, ring a bell and chant some auspicious sayings before the keramat. Chinese joss-sticks were used apart from having the "kemayan" (incense) lighted before the deities.

On the day we visited, there were even 4-digits written on the joss urn - 9734. This came about because an elderly man had a lottery windfall after praying at this shrine. As a token of gratitude, he offered these numbers in the hope that other punters would be as lucky as him.

For landlubbers who eschew boat rides, there is a Kusu Tua Pek Kong Temple at Havelock Road, diagonally across from the Geok Hong Tian (see blog entry No. 13).

Contact:
The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) looks after Kusu Island;
for inquiries, call SENTOSA 1800-736-8672 (9am to 6.30 pm)

Ack: taoism-singapore@yahoogroups.com

13. Geok Hong Tian 玉皇殿

Geok Hong Tian (Hokkien) or Yu Huang Dian 　玉皇殿　was built in 1887. It was also known to the local Hokkiens as Ti Kong Tua (Tian Gong Tan　天公坛). This temple has seen much changes around it, from attap houses and slums to HDB flats, offices and even hotels in its neighbourhood. Despite the changes in its surroundings, it continues to be reverred as a very important temple to the local Taoists.

Many temples or sintuas, on their celebration days, would travel to this temple to seek the "command" from the Jade Emperor. On the eve of the 9th day of the Chinese Lunar New Year (1st Lunar Month) - the birthday of the Jade Emperor, this temple is one place where many Taoist devotees would come to pay their respects.

12. Nanyang Sacred Union

This is not a typical temple set-up found in most temples in Singapore where a devotee or any member of the public can walk in freely to pay homage. Instead, one has to be a member to be admitted into this “Sacred Union”. But on festive occasions such as the birthday of its patron saint, Confucius, one can see members of the public being welcomed into the temple premises.

The Union can trace its history to the 1930s when a group of immigrants from Foochow district in China pooled their resources to purchase a place to perform religious rites. That was how this building in River Valley Road came into their possession. There are actually 3 buildings in the Union - no. 251 for the worship of Goddess of Mercy; no. 253 – the central and main building - for Confucius; and no. 255 for Lao Tse.

Confucius is known, amongst other epithets, as the "uncrowned emperor of China" and the "throneless king" because of the vast impact of his teachings. The phoenix, which is a Chinese symbol of immortality and benevolence, is closely associated with him. The bird is reputed to have been sighted, along with the kirin (unicorn), at the time of Confucius' birth. It is believed that such auspicious sightings take place only before the birth of benevolent kings and sages. Lao Tse, founder of Taoism, associated Confucius with the phoenix because of the latter's teachings which emphasises benevolence and virtue. Legend has it that the phoenix carries sacred scrolls and/or holy books in its bill. For these reasons, Confucius is deeply revered by members of the Nanyang Sacred Union.

Union membership is exclusive. To be a member, the prospective candidate not only has to be recommended by an existing member, but must also seek sanction from Confucius by picking either a “yes” or a “no” slip of paper tossed before the deity. A “yes” would of course signify acceptance. It was said that one devoted fellow got in only on the 8th try!

The Union currently has 1,500 members, male and female, from all walks of life. Membership has its privileges - apart from being able to network among like-minded individuals, members can secure a place for their ancestral tablets directly behind the statue of Confucius, the paragon of filial piety.

The main event held every year in the temple is the religious ceremony performed to honour Confucius on his birthday. This usually falls in October. The ceremony is conducted in the Foochow dialect. Majority of the participants - about a dozen – tend to be elderly men, 60 years and above. All participants would wear a black cap on their head and a black tunic over a long blue shirt that touches the ankles. The ceremony involves a lot of bowing and praying, first to the Jade Emperor and then to Confucius.

Even the placing of offerings on Confucius’ altar has to be painstakingly carried out. Again this entails a lot of bowing to each other as the offerings are handed by one men to the next, on cue.

The fruits offered have to be of five colours - white (pomelo); black (purple grapes); red (apple); green (pear) and orange (orange). There will also be five types of dishes offered - three meat and two seafood dishes. Other offerings take the form of rice, tea, fragrance, cloth, rosary beads and Chinese coins

When all are placed properly on the altar, the men will then recite in unison by referring to the Chinese text held in front of them. All in, the ceremony will last an hour-and-a-half. The attention to detail and the meticulously-orchestrated movements all bear testimony to Confucius’ emphasis on orderliness and proper conduct which one can well appreciate given that Confucius lived during the turbulent period of the Warring States. There are about ten such Unions spread all over Malaysia - the headquarters being this one in Singapore.


Details:
Nanyang Sacred Union
231-235 River Valley Road
Singapore 238289
Tel: 6737 2985; 6235 5975

Ack: taoism-singapore@yahoogroups.com

11. Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple洛陽大伯公宫

More popularly known by its Hokkien name, this is the Loyang Da Bo Gong. Situated at a remote beach off Loyang Way, this temple had a very humble beginning. It was said that someone found some statues washed to the shore and he decided to make a small shrine for it. There was also statues of the Hindu God. As time passed by, the number of devotees to this shrine grew. And so the little shrine became a bigger temple. Soon, devotees from across the causeway also came to pray in this temple.

This temple is unique in that in this complex, there is the Tua Pek Kong Temple (with other Deities as well) and a Natoh Kong, and a Hindu Temple, where Ganesha is one of the main Deities. The three temples within the complex had a harmonious setup. Most devotees coming to this temple would pay their respects to all the Deities in the three temples.

It has become one of the focal points for visiting mediums from other temples when they have celebrations and have "yew keng" (Procession).

This temple complex has to give way to development and it is raising funds to build a new and grander building. All the three temples will be continued to be housed in the new complex. The view of the sea and the current ambience might be changed forever.

Festivals: 1st and 2nd of 2nd Chinese Lunar Month, 16th to 18th of 12th Chinese Lunar Month.

Address: 62G Loyang Way, Singapore 508772
Tel: 63636633
Email: lytpk@singnet.com.sg

10. Hong San Si Temple 凤山寺

The Hong San Si at Mohamed Sultan Road was built by Chinese settlers from Lam Ann/Nam-wa (in Minnan hua; Nan-an in Mandarin) county in Fujian province, China. It is to honour Siong Ong Kong aka Kong Teck Choon Ong or Guang Ze Zun Wang in Mandarin, the God of Filial Piety, also known as God of Fortune. This patron saint of the Nan-an people was recorded to have lived during the later Tang dynasty (c AD 923) and was believed to have sold himself to slavery to pay for the upkeep of his parents’ graves. His birthday is celebrated on the 22nd day of the 2nd lunar month.

In the past, whenever the people of Nan-an arrived in a new territory, be it Singapore, Penang or Brunei, they would pray at the Hong San Si to thank the patron saint for their safe arrival. In fact, majority of the temples built by the Nan-an people tend to be identical in design as well as bear the same name, Hong San Si which translates into English as Phoenix Hill temple. Usually the temple would be sited on a hill overlooking a river or sea – elements said to constitute favourable “fengshui”.

Located on a hill, this Mohamed Sultan Road temple is believed to be one of the earliest temples erected in Singapore. Its view of the Singapore River is now somewhat obscured by skyscrapers dotting the scene. Completed in 1836, and later rebuilt at a cost of S$56,000 (a princely sum then) between 1908 and 1912, this temple features some exquisite design elements such as gilded wood carvings on its beams, calligraphy and dragon motifs on its columns and pillars. Images of the 8 immortals of Taoism are etched on the ceiling of the altar hall. The temple was gazetted as a national monument on 10 November 1978.

An apocryphal story has it that all Hong San Si temples defy full completion. Somehow or other, one part of the temple, usually the roof, would leak on rainy days. This was taken to signify the displeasure of the patron saint’s father-in-law who was touted to be a malevolent magician who disliked his son-in-law.

The Nan-an association in Singapore shares the same premises as the temple. The association currently has about 1,500 members. Any Nan-an descendant below the age of 45 who wishes to be a member pay a one-time subscription fee of S$110; those above 45, pay S$150.

There are several other Hong San Si temples in Singapore, one of which is located at 17 Lorong Melayu, Off Changi Road (tel: 6742 4318) – this one is officially known as the Hong San Si Temple Society (registration date: 14 February 1984). Another, the Hong San Gong is located at Airport Road while the Hong San Tan is at Woodlands Industrial Estate 4.

Ack: taoism-singapore@yahoogroups.com

Address: 31 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 238975
Te: +65 6737 3683

9. Seng Wong Beo 都城隍古庙

Situated at the bend of Peck Seah St, this 100 year old temple has seen much changes in its surroundings. The old pre-war houses had been torn down, and so were its neighbouring houses. Now it is nested between two growing giant sky scrapers.

Some hundred years ago, a Buddhist monk, Rui Yu founded this temple with the City God (Cheng Huang), Kisitigarbha Boddhisattva, and Avalokitesvra as the main deity. From the plaque placed outside the temple, were the following notes:

The temple was founded by Reverend Swee Oi from China. The Reverend whose family name was Huang, was educated and well versed in poetry. He was an imperial scholar during the Qing dynasty. However his keen interest in Buddhism led to his decision to become a monk. He was ordained in Fuzhou Quanzhou.

He later came to Singapore where he saw many Chinese who sailed in boats from China and settled mainly in the Tanjung Pagar and Telok Ayer areas. They worked mostly as labourers in the harbour and also as rickshaw pullers. Their life was hard. Falling ill and feeling lonely and home-sick were common. Their hardship touched Reverent Swee Oi who then decided to build a temple in Tanjung Pagar. He wanted these people to have a place where they can worship and pray for the well-being of their loved ones back home in China.

The temple was first built in the 31st year of the Qing Emperor Guang Xu's reign. Two years later, the then Chinese Consul to Singapore, Zuo Bing Long, personally wrote a tablet and presented it as a gift to the temple. The tablet still hands in the main prayer hall of the temple.

The temple worships the City God. According to Chinese beliefs, the City God guards the city from evil. Devotees come to the temple to pray for the country's peace and prosperity, for the triumph over evil and for the good health of all. The City God rewards good deeds and punishes the evil ones. He also has the responsibility to guide souls of the dead to the underworld. His temple has been and continues to be a place of solace for its many devotees.

8. Po Chiak Keng Tan Si Chong Su 保赤宫陈氏宗祠

The Po Chiak Keng Tan Si Chong Su is one of the earliest clan temples in Singapore. It was founded in 1878 (some sources: 1876) by two leading Hokkien families bearing the “Tan” (Hanyu Pinyin: “Chen”) surname - Tan Kim Cheng (eldest son of Tan Tock Seng) and Tan Beng Swee (son of Tan Kim Seng). The temple is situated near to Kampong Malacca, Malacca being a state in the Malay Peninsula from which the ancestors of these two Tan luminaries came.

Today, there are more than 70 million Chinese with the surname Tan all over the world. The surname is believed to have been inspired by Fuxi (Wade Giles: Fu-hsi), a legendary figure of the third millennium BC who established his homebase called “Chen” at Huaiyang county in Hebei province, China. Fuxi is revered as one of China’s earliest sages who invented the eight symbols used in divination and created a system of surnames.

The Chinese believe that persons with the same surname originated from a common ancestry, hence the significance of the practice of ancestral worship. The founding fathers of the Po Chiak Keng temple were concerned that many of their clansmen residing in Singapore were beginning to lose touch with the customs and practices inherited from their ancestral homeland, China. Hence, this building was erected to function as an ancestral temple as well as assembly hall for the Tan clan. During the first five years of its founding, only the Tan from the Hokkien community were eligible as members. In 1883, membership was expanded to include those from the other communities.

One section of the Po Chiak Keng temple housed the ancestral tablets while another was once used as a Chinese school. The temple’s design resembles those of temples in southern China, where many of the early Chinese immigrants to Singapore had originated. Among the relics donated to this temple are a bell, a drum and an exquisite miniature marble pagoda. There is also a statue of Bodhisattva Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) in the temple.

This building was gazetted as a national monument on 29 November 1974.

Location:
15 Magazine Road
Singapore 059568

7. Qi Tian Gong 齐天宫

The Qi Tian Gong, dedicated to the Monkey God, is more than 80 years old. Situated at the corner of Eng Hoon St and Tiong Poh Road, it is an old landmark of Tiong Bahru. It probably has seen the transformation of Tiong Bahru from cemeteries and attap house slums to the SIT flats. Each year, the temple celebrates in honour of the Monkey God on the 16th of the First Lunar Month and the 16th of the Eighth Lunar Month.

6. Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong 修德善堂

The Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong temple is located at the junction of Jurong East Ave 1 and Jurong East Street 24. It shifted there in 1986 from its former location at Jalan Seh Chuan (Bukit Timah), which it had occupied for almost a quarter of a century.

This temple is dedicated to the Teochew "Chor Soo Kong" better known as Sung Da Feng Zu Shi (Saint Ta-Fung). This deity occupies the central position on the altar in the main prayer hall. To the deity's right is the Monkey God and on his left is Jigong. There are altogether three Sung Da Feng temples in Singapore - one in Toa Payoh and the other in Bedok. And there are four in Malaysia - Pontian (Johor), Muar (Johor), Melaka and Butterworth (Penang).

This Bukit Timah Seu Teck temple is an institutional member of the Blue Cross movement. The movement started in early 1942, during the Japanese Occupation, when five Chinese "Siang Tng" ("Sean Tong") (Centre of Charity) or worshippers' groups decided to pool their monetary and manpower resources for a common goal. The five groups are: (a) Seu Teck (2) Nam Ann (3) Phoh Kiu (4) Thong Hong and (5) Thong Teck.

The common body they established is called the the Blue Cross Movement. Its mission is to collectively serve the community, without expecting any monetary reward. Among the activities of the Blue Cross movement is the establishment of free feeding centres for the needy and provision of medical centres manned by volunteers.

To that end,the Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong offers free medical consultation, including acupuncture treatment and even has its in-house dispensary. Dates and times of the "clinic's" operational hours are: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 pm to 9 pm or thereabouts. This free clinic is currently housed in an annexe near to the main temple building. By April 2006, it will move to a new 3-storey building, next to the main temple building.

Reproduced herewith is Sung Da Feng's biography engraved on a mural in the temple hall:
History Of Our Patron Saint Ta-Fung
----------------------------------------------------
An Extract From the Records of Chao-Yang District

There is no record from which we can trace the native own saint Ta-Fung of Sung Dynasty. He first appeared in O-Ping Li west of Min District part of which was separated by deep broad and rapid river. Many travellers had lost their lives when they met with a storm.

Saint Ta-Fung vowed that he would have a bridge of granite built for the convenience of the public. Those who heard his pledge laughed at him. He paid no heed to the ridicule but started the fund raising campaign. He also made survey of the area, sounding of the water and estimated the number of carpenters and masons to be employed. No one knew what he was trying to do. He soon disappeared.

In the year Kuei Bao of the reign of Suan-Ho (1123 AD) Saint Ta-Fung returned all the money to the donors which was much surprise. Five years later Saint Ta-Fung came by boat. He brought with him this time food, timber, granite, labourer and all that was necessary for the construction of the bridge which was completed exactly in 1 year's time. The span of thebridge had 19 arches. There were 2 other arches at the end of the bridge. Nearest to the 2 banks of the river were not finished in the same year Saint Ta-Fung died and Mr Tsai Kung-Yuan a native of the district completed them. It is said that during the construction of the bridge, Saint Ta-Fung sent a memorial to the City God and the result the tide stopped coming for 7 days. It is indeed miraculous. A temple in his honour was set up in the name of Pao Te, repayment of kindness.

- End of Inscription -

Address:160 Jurong East Street 24
Singapore 609559
Tel: 6562-3430; 6566-1922

5. Pulau Ubin Fo Shan Da Bo Gong Miao 佛山大伯公庙

As with every village or town in the old days, where there were Chinese, there will be at least a Chinese temple. So, in Pulau Ubin, off Changi Point, it is no exception. When you walk into "town" you will see a small temple, dedicated to Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong in Hokkien/Teochew). This is probably the other temple in Singapore that still has a permanent "opera theatre", and is much bigger.

Each year, on 15th of 4th Lunar Month (which also happens to be Vesak Day), this temple has a celebration. According to the temple keeper (Uncle Lim), Tua Pek Kong, through a medium, said that since Ubin is covered mostly by granite rock - "Fo Shan" - he would like to emulate Buddha, by first becoming a Boddhisatva. Hence he had designated this day as the day to celebrate. Former residents of Pulau Ubin and other mainland Singaporeans flock to the temple on this day. It was said that over the weekend in 2005, more than 4000 worshippers went to the island temple.

Unknown to many, there is actually a "country" temple on top of a hillock. In this temple in a very quiet and serene "plateau", there are three statues of Tua Pek Kong. Each year, during the celebrations on Vesak Day as well as the 7th Month Hungry Ghost Festival, these three statues are invited to the "town" temple to enjoy the food and watch opera.

Ack: Taoism-Singapore Email List http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism-singapore

4. Cheo Lim Chin Sun Liap Hup Keng 石林晋山联合宫

Cheo Lim Chin Sun Liap Hup Keng Temple (Hokkien)
Shi Lin Jin Shan Lian He Gong 石林晋山联合宫

This temple complex, now almost 10 years old, has three temples sharing the same premises, on a 30-year lease. It is located adjacent to another rather famous temple complex in Singapore - the San QingGong Temple.

The first temple to the right (No. 11 Bedok North Street 5, SE 485876;Tel: 6243-31387) has as its main deity, the Jade Emperor, flanked by his two lieutenants - the Northern and Southern Bushel Gods, as well as the Tay Bu Neo Neo. Directly opposite them is Huat Chu Kong. The Five Generals, Tiger God and Tu Ti Kong are also deities worshipped there. The temple was initially located at Kampong Chai Chee.

The temple in the middle (No. 9 Bedok North Street 5, SE 485875; Tel:6441-7080) - the Kuah Na Keng temple - has the Sam Bu Ong Yah as its main deity. In the inner chamber is Goddess of Mercy who dispenses holy water whenever any devotee kneels on a cushion placed in front of the Goddess. This temple was originally from Kembangan.

In the temple to the left (No. 7 Bedok North Street 5; Tel:6443-7873), one can find Ser Chew Boon Poh in the main hall (this deity was brought over from a temple in Tampines). Next to him is ShanCai Tong Zi, relocated from a Mandai temple. In the inner hall are theTua Li Sar Ya Peh.

Details:
Cheo Lim Chin Sun Liap Hup Keng Temple
No. 7, 9 and 11 Bedok North Street 5
Singapore 485874, 4885875 and 485876 respectively

3. Long Shan Si 龙山寺

The Long Shan Si 龙山寺, at Race Course Road, was first built in 1917. It was a monk who brought a statue of the Guan Yin to Singapore built this temple. This temple has its origin from Nan-an County, Fujian, China.

This temple has its entrance arch a distance away from it. Could it have such a big space in the old days, or was it just an entrance from the main road to the temple. You could see the entrance arch at Serangoon Road.

In the old days, the temple has also built a school, Mee Toh School, which is next to the temple. The school children used to go to the temple to pay their respects to the Deities before going to school.

With its rich history, it is also interesting to note that this is also another syncretic temple. While the temple is dedicated to Buddha, there is Confucius and City God on one side, Zu Shen Niang Niang　注生娘娘 on another and even He-He (a twin Deity that was meant for people to pray to make up any quarrels .. a great idea!).