36. Poh Tiong Beo 普忠庙 (Pu Zhong Miao)

Poh Tiong Beo 普忠庙, currently located at Lorong 6, Toa Payoh (near to the Kim Keat Link and Shuang Lin Si), has a long history in Singapore. Tracing to its origin, it is said to have started as a shrine in a coolie-keng (coolie den) at 8 Nanking St in the 1930s. It could be earlier. Research is still being done to trace its origin. In the front part of the second storey of 8 Nanking St was the altar of San Zhong Wang 三忠王 (Sam Tiong Ong in Hokkien). It was known as Poh Tiong Dian 普忠殿 (Pu Zhong Dian). Most of the coolies and members of this shrine/sintua came from Dang Wua 同安 (Tong An), now within the precinct of Xiamen , Fujian, China.

In the 1960s, a group of the members of this sintua, who have become businessmen, foresaw the need to build another temple in anticipation of rapid urban renewal in Singapore. They built the Poh Tiong Keng 普忠宫 (Pu Zhong Gong) in Toa Payoh (across the road from where the current temple is). Alas, the ground was too low and during rainy seasons, the surrounding would be flooded.

Hence another move was inevitable. The new temple, now called Poh Tiong Beo普忠庙 , was built at the current place. In the 90s, urban renewal had caught up at Nankin St. It was time to move and so the Poh Tiong Dian moved to Poh Tiong Beo.

This temple's resident Deity is one of the three officials of the Song Dynasty, Zhang Shi Jie. The three officials of the Song Dynasty - Wen Tian Xiang 文天祥, Zhang Shi Jie 張世傑, and Lu Xiu Fu  陆秀夫- were known for their righteousness and strong loyalty to the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. All three died defending the Emperor. Wen Tian Xiang was executed by the Mongols in Beijing, Zheng Shi Jie drowned fighting the Mongols - and it is said that his body was found in a village in Tong An (hence, he was the patron Deity of this village), and Lu Xiu Fu committed suicide with the young Emperor rather than being captured by the Mongols.

There is another temple in Singapore that is related to this temple. This temple, Shui Xian Gong at Zion Rd, worships Wen Tian Xiang. When the businessmen went to Malacca to expand their business, they wanted to invite one of the San Zhong Wang to Malacca. Using the divining blocks (Sheng Bei), they sought the three Deities. Apparently, it was Lu Xiu Fu who agreed to go to Malacca. "With the financial assistance from Poh Tiong Beo & Religion Knowledge from Shui Xian Gong" the temple was built." So today, the three temples, each housing one of the three officials, form the complete trinity.

With San Zhong Wan, there are two more Deities associated. One is Por Am Pu Chor (Pu An Fo Zu) who, according to the spirit medium in Tong An Village, offered to be the mentor of San Zhong Wang. And so, in the San Zhong Wang temples you will find Por Am Pu Chor. Another Deity associated with Poh Tiong Beo is Koo Ong Ya (Qiu Fu Wang Ye). In Tong An Village, one can find three temples, housing Por Am Pu Chor, Koo Ong Ya, and San Tiong Ong, within the same vicinity.

The temple celebrates in honour of Sam Tiong Ong on 16th Day of the 9th Luna Month (9M16).

The Temple address: 201 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 Singapore 319385 Tel: 63561207

35. Chee Tong Temple 慈忠坛 (Ci Zhong Tan)

Located in the HDB estate at 62 Hougang Ave 3 (near to blk.248), this is probably the only most contemporary Chinese temple in Singapore. A temple dedicated to the three main deities - Huang Lao Xian Shi 黄老仙师, Da Sheng Fo Zu 大圣佛祖 and Tai Shang Lao Jun 太上老君, it was built in 1987, designed by the team of Akitectenggara - Mr. Tay Kheng Soon, Mr.Ho Kwon Cjan and Mr. Patrick Chia.

It was designed in close consultation with one of the Deities of the temple, through his medium in trance (according to this document at Archnet. At every stage of the designed, the medium in trance was consulted, through an interpreter.

This temple still has consultation services every Tuesday and Saturday evenings from 8pm. I understand that the Deity giving consultation is Huang Lao Xian Shi.

Some information about the temple events:

Da Sheng Fo Zu:  8M16 (16th of 8th lunar month)

Tai Shang Lao Jun: 7M01

Huang Lao Xian Shi: 6M06

Anniversary celebrations:

Chee Tong Temple (Ci Zhong Tan): 4M18

China Temple (Sichuan) : 9M18

Quarterly Blessings:

1st Day, Chinese New Year

1st Day 4th Lunar Month

1st Day 7th Lunar Month

1st Day 10th Lunar Month

The Address:

Singapore Chee Tong Temple

62 Hougang Ave 3

Singapore 538844

Tel: 62833867

34. Xing An Tian Hou Gong 兴安天后宫

About Xing An Tian Hou Gong 兴安天后宫

The origin of Xing An Tian Hou Gong is still unknown due to the lack of relevant sources. It was believed to be established around the 1920s. Pilgrims and worshippers from the Mazu temple in Meizhou brought the worshipping culture to Singapore where people could pray at 133 Queen Street. This became a site of spiritual support and activity for early Putian immigrants.

Since the 1940s, the Putian (Henghua) people had been organizing activities during the Seventh Lunar Month (公建普度,中元节) in memory of their ancestors and to engage in expiatory purification of the spirits.

In 1957, the Henghua community established the Nanyang Putian Huiguan (南洋莆田会馆) and its first chairman was the late Mr. Su Zhi Xuan (苏志宣).

In 1972, being part of the city reconstruction scheme, Xing An Tian Hou Gong and the Nanyang Putian Huigian moved out of Queen Street to 16 Madras Road. The “Puxian amateur troupe” (莆仙业余剧团), a collaboration between Sin Hoe Ping and the then Xin De Yue troupe (“新和平”与“新得月”戏班) was formed in 1974 and performed during the celebration of Goddess Mazu’s birthday in 1975. It gained much support from the community and other Putian-affiliated temples also invited the troupe to perform with which they could stage more than 60 performances annually during the peak period. Unfortunately, after having performed for 10 over years, the troupe had to be dissolved because there were no new performers to take over the old and retiring performers.

In 1987, the site at Madras Street was requisitioned and the executive board of the temple and huiguan decided to purchase its new site at Geylang Lorong 3. After renovation works were completed in 1991, the temple and huiguan moved into the new building where it still stands today (see picture below).

(Source: Putian Association Singapore 50th Year Anniversary Complementary Magazine in Chinese)

A glimpse at the interior of Xing An Tian Hou Gong where Goddess Mazu is at the center of the main altar

33. Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple 安济圣王庙

Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple 安济圣王庙  (dedicated to Lord Green Dragon 安济圣王or 请龙爷) is located at 131 West Coast Drive. It's original location was in Pasir Panjang.

From the plaque on the wall of the temple, is the history of Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple

Wang Kang was a high-ranking official of the kingdom of Shu Han - one of the three kingdoms in Chinese history. Being an upright and honest official, he was deeply respected by the people. He was given the title of An Ji Shen Wang (Ang Chee Sia Ong) after his death and a temple was built to honour him. Green snakes were often spotted at the temple and when the people of Chao Shan saw one at the battlefield, they would invariably emerge victorious. They believed that the green snake was the transformation of Ang Chee Sia Ong, whose spirit provided a protection of them against disasters. Hence Ang Chee Sia Ong was also known as Sacred Lord Green Dragon (Qing Long Shen Wang) and the temple, Qing Long Gu Miao. 

In the Ming dynasty, there was a drought in Yong Chang, Yunnan province. The official then, Xie Shaochang took it upon himself to open the official granary before writing to the imperial court. Obtaining approval for ration from the emperor would mean a delay, leading to starvation and death for the residents. However, he was sentenced to death for this. As such, he was hung up in a tree in a mountain for three days and would be released if, by a miracle, he survived. One day, a figure appeared in the sky and spread a large black cloth which subsequently turned into a huge patch of dark cloud, shielding Xie from sun and wind. Xie survived and was released. Praying at the An Ji Shen Wang Temple in gratitude, he realized that Wang Kang’s statue bore a resemblance to his mysterious Savior. After that, he started burning incense and praying to the god day and night. Also, he brought the statue of An Ji Shen Wang along with him upon his return to Chaozhou and built a temple in his honour. The number of worshippers grew and they moved the statue to a bigger temple at the south bank of Hanjiang later and named it Qing Long Gu Miao.

In the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kang Xi sent his younger brother to Chaozhou, to build battleships for the conquest of Taiwan Island. Seeking divine prediction from the lord in the Qing Long Gu Miao, the divine sticks turned up negative for three times, hinting at failure. Indeed, the Qing court suffered great losses later on. When questioned, the brother revealed his encounter at the temple, upon which the emperor sensed a great mystical power of prediction of An Ji Shen Wang. In respect of him, Kang Xi ordered an Inspiration Tablet made and placed inside the temple to honour the lord. From then on the fame of the temple spread even wider and its story became known to one and all.

More details on the history of the temple could be read from its website.

There is a bridge that links the temple across a canal to the housing estate. If you step on the right step, the two dragons will give you a shower of blessings. There is also a dragon sprouting out water that you could bring home with the bottles provided in the temple.

33. Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple 安济圣王庙

Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple 安济圣王庙 An Ji Sheng Wang Miao  (a temple dedicated to Lord Green Dragon  安济圣王 or 请龙爷 ) is located at 131 West Coast Drive stands. It's original location was in Pasir Panjang.

From the plaque on the wall of the temple, is the history of Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple

Wang Kang was a high-ranking official of the kingdom of Shu Han - one of the three kingdoms in Chinese history. Being an upright and honest official, he was deeply respected by the people. He was given the title of An Ji Shen Wang (Ang Chee Sia Ong) after his death and a temple was built to honour him. Green snakes were often spotted at the temple and when the people of Chao Shan saw one at the battlefield, they would invariably emerge victorious. They believed that the green snake was the transformation of Ang Chee Sia Ong, whose spirit provided a protection of them against disasters. Hence Ang Chee Sia Ong was also known as Sacred Lord Green Dragon (Qing Long Shen Wang) and the temple, Qing Long Gu Miao. 

In the Ming dynasty, there was a drought in Yong Chang, Yunnan province. The official then, Xie Shaochang took it upon himself to open the official granary before writing to the imperial court. Obtaining approval for ration from the emperor would mean a delay, leading to starvation and death for the residents. However, he was sentenced to death for this. As such, he was hung up in a tree in a mountain for three days and would be released if, by a miracle, he survived. One day, a figure appeared in the sky and spread a large black cloth which subsequently turned into a huge patch of dark cloud, shielding Xie from sun and wind. Xie survived and was released. Praying at the An Ji Shen Wang Temple in gratitude, he realized that Wang Kang’s statue bore a resemblance to his mysterious Savior. After that, he started burning incense and praying to the god day and night. Also, he brought the statue of An Ji Shen Wang along with him upon his return to Chaozhou and built a temple in his honour. The number of worshippers grew and they moved the statue to a bigger temple at the south bank of Hanjiang later and named it Qing Long Gu Miao.

In the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kang Xi sent his younger brother to Chaozhou, to build battleships for the conquest of Taiwan Island. Seeking divine prediction from the lord in the Qing Long Gu Miao, the divine sticks turned up negative for three times, hinting at failure. Indeed, the Qing court suffered great losses later on. When questioned, the brother revealed his encounter at the temple, upon which the emperor sensed a great mystical power of prediction of An Ji Shen Wang. In respect of him, Kang Xi ordered an Inspiration Tablet made and placed inside the temple to honour the lord. From then on the fame of the temple spread even wider and its story became known to one and all.

More details on the history of the temple could be read from its website.

There is a bridge that links the temple across a canal to the housing estate. If you step on the right step, the two dragons will give you a shower of blessings. There is also a dragon sprouting out water that you could bring home with the bottles provided in the temple.

The celebration of the temple in honour of Ang Chee Sia Ong is 5M05 (5th day of the 5th Lunar Month)

32. Hai Nan Shan Tian Gong Tan 海南山天公坛

Nested at the corner of Upper Thomson Rd (175) with the former Lakeview Estate (now no more there), in a narrow strip of land, stands the  Hai Lam Sua Ti Kong Tua  海南山天公坛 (Hai Nan Shan Tian Gong Tan). This year, 2009, the temple celebrates its 105th Anniversary from 14Nov to 23Nov.

This temple must have seen the changes in this area known as Hai Lam Sua 海南山 (Hai Nan Shan) since 105 years ago. Over the years, the temple has also evolved, through renovation and just a couple of years ago, it was rebuilt to what it is today.

This temple is probably the only Jade Emperor 玉皇 Temple in this vicinity. In the temple, the other two deities are Tua Pek Kong 大伯公 (Da Bo Gong) and Guan Yin 观音.

Chinese Temples 庙宇文化 Book 3 is out!

The third volume of Chinese Temples in Singapore, Miao Yu Wen Hua 庙宇文化, has been released and are available at most newspaper stand.

31. Shuang Lin Cheng Huang Miao 双林城隍庙

If you go in by the main entrance to the well known Shuang Lin Si, you would have notice this rather old looking temple near to the gate.

According to the notice in the temple, this temple was built in the 29th year of the reign of Emperor Guan Xi, 1903. This temple could be one of the oldest if not the oldest Cheng Huang (City God) temple in Singapore.

Inside the temple building was just one huge hall with a high ceiling. It is possible that the Deities could have been added in this temple over time. Some of the statues could be very old from the look of the sculpture, and yet some of them looked rather new. Many of the statues of the Deities have their names placed in front of them, thus, making easy identification.

This temple has a pair of unique lion statues that seem to be laughing all the time. And there is also a pair of horses that looked almost comical with the pakchoy and carrot placed on their heads. To the devotees, it mean something to them.

On the right hand side of the temple, as you walk in, you will find the famous Tiger God. In this temple, there is someone who offers services for any devotee who want to have special rituals conducted with respect to the Tiger God. It is said that if one has back-stabbers (probably in business or workplace), one could come to seek protection from the Tiger God.

From morning to evening, this temple is never short of devotees, who come, offer their prayers, and leave, each at his or her own time and pace.

30. Chwee Hean Keng 水显宫 (Shui Xian Gong)

This is one of the few temples dedicated to Sam Tiong Ong 三忠王 (San Zhong Wang), deities from the late Song Dynasty, Wen Tian-Xiang 文天祥, Lu Xiu-Fu 陆秀夫 and Zhang Shi-Jie 张世杰. This temple, located at Zion Road, is standing on a piece of land that has been en-bloc for redevelopment. This temple has been here for at least more than 70 years, witnessing the changing tributary of the Singapore River - when the descendants of the great tongkang builders from China continued their tradition for the busy Singapore River further downstream, the big Bukit Ho Swee fire, of which it stood while the surrounding attap houses burnt down, and how the "phoenix" rose from the fire in the forms of HDB flats, and it itself now might not survive the demolition ball.

Inside this temple, there was a framed picture dedicated by the Lu Clan Association, showing a statue of Lu Xiu-Fu, with a brief history of the three matyrs of the Song Dynasty. I reproduce it here for better understanding:

Wen Tian-xiang, Lu Xiu-fu, and Zhang Shi-jie were the three patriotic officials of the late Song 宋Dynasty period. In 1275 A.D., the Yuan 元 army came south to invade China. The three of them organised more than 10,000 volunteers in the capital city of Southern Song 南宋, Lin-an  临安(present Hang-zhou 杭州, to fight the enemy. In 1276 A.D., Wen Tian-xiang was appointed the Chief Minister in charge of the non-military affairs, and Lu Xiu-fu the Chief Minister in charge of military affairs. Later, when the capital city was occupied by the Yuan army, they led the troops, retreating to coastal provinces including Zhe-jiang 浙江, Fu-jian 福建 and Guang-dong 广东.

They continued the struggle with the Yuan army proclaiming Zhao-shi 赵是 and Zhao-bing 赵昺as successful emperors. In 1278 A.D., Wen Tian-xiang was captured after this troops were defeated. In prison, he wrote the famous Zheng-qi song 正气歌 to express his sense of patriotism and loyalty, resisting the threats and briberies of the Yuan regime. In 1283 A.D., he died in prison heroically. In 1279 A.D., Lu Xiu-fu and Zhang Shi-jie escaped to Ya-san 崖山 in Guang-dong province, together with the young emperor Zhao-bing. The Yuan troops were hot on their heels. The situation was made worse by a typhoon. Zhang Shi-jie attempted a break-through with his troops. His ship capsized and he was drowned. Lu Xiu-fu realised that the situation had become hopeless. Carry emperor Zhao-bin on his back, he and his wife ended their lives by jumping into the sea. Later, the people admired the patriotism of these three great officials and worshipped them as the three patriotic lords of the Song Dynasty.

This temple carries with it its stories, most of which would be lost because all are orally transmitted down the generations. I was told that this temple was a result of an exchange of two temples between San Zhong Wang and Guang Ze Zun Wang. As it turned out Guang Ze Zun Wang's temple further down the river was burnt down and this temple was most of the time indunated with flooding water, especially during the extreme high tide. Could well be a myth.

It was almost like a temple as a stranger in its own surrounding as the residents moved to various parts of Singapore. But each year, during its festive days (9M16), the loyal devotees remember and would return to pay respects to their three patriotic lords, a constant reminder of what they should be.

Links

Sam Tiong Ong temple in Malaysia

29. Guan Hock Dian 圆福殿 (Yuan Fu Dian)

Also known as Tua Kang Lai Temple (because it is near to a canal), this 100+ year old temple is now the witness to the rapidly evolving Singapore, in a sea of modern terrace houses and tall condominiums. In its days, it was surrounded by attap houses where most of the villagers were said to come from a same area in AngKuei (Anxi) in China. Most of them have the Chua (Cai) surname.

The main Deity of this temple is Dang Kong Jin Lin 董公真人(Dong Gong Zhen Ren). This Deity, from the statue and a framed drawing, looks like a Buddhist monk. This temple was the centre of worship to the village in the old days and is said to be well known as far as Jurong and Changi. With the support of villagers and devotees, the temple was rebuilt and renovated many times to what it is today. The soggy ground during rainy days were concretised. This is probably the only temple in Singapore with the most well kept (and renovated) permanent opera stage.

There are five Deities on the main altar, and Guan Yin on the side. The five deities are: Xie Tian Da Di 协天大帝 (Guan Gong), Wu Gu Zhen Xian 五谷真仙, Fu Xi Xian Di 茯羲仙帝, Fan Hou Xian Shi 范侯仙师, and Dong Gong Zhen Ren 董公真人. Will need Bro Jave to enlighten us more about the deities, especially Fu Xi Xian Di, Fan Hou Xian Shi and Dong Gong Zhen Ren.

The temple festive dates are:

5M08 & 08: In honour of Xie Tian Da Di 协天大帝

8M08 & 09: In honour of Wu Gu Zhen Xian 五谷真仙, Fu Xi Xian Di 茯羲仙帝, Fan Hou Xian Shi 范侯仙师

11M09 & 10: In honour of Dong Gong Zhen Ren 董公真人

The Location:
Guan Hock Dian 圆福殿
Yuan Fu Dian
Tua Kang Lai Temple
14 Jalan Kabaya
tel: 64667423

28. Tian Teck Keng 天德宫 (Tian De Gong)

Tian Teck Keng has its origin in a kampong behind the Rochor Tua Pek Kong Temple, off Balestier Road. In the old days, when there were no temples, the families of the village would come together each year to celebrate the "deity of the village" and they would pua-puay (using the divination blocks) to seek for Lor-Chu (head of the joss urn). In this village, they did the same for Nezha - Lian Hua San Tai Zi 哪吒 莲花三太子. Whoever got the lor-chu will bring home the statue of Lian Hua San Tai Zi and the joss urn home to worship the deity till the next year. And so, the Deity made his round of the homes in the village, depending on who is keen to "apply" to host him. The TiKong (Jade Emperor) urn dated 1922 still exists today. This means probably the practice was carried out way before that. The temple has just celebrated its 87th Anniversary this year, 2 May 2009 (4M08).

Later, it was decided that there should be a more permanent place for Nezha and so, they built a wooden hut under the Spirited Tree in the same compound as Tua Pek Kong but had to move to behind the temple, renting a space from Hokkien Huay Kuan. 

Some 16 years ago, under the urban renewal programme, the temple in wooden structure had to go. With some compensation, it moved to 37 Kim Keat Lane where it stayed for 8 years. It then moved to Geylang Lorong 3 (the famous temple squatters) where it stayed for 3 years before moving to the current temple at Tampines Link.

The temple now has 44 years to stay put in this place until the expiry of the lease. The current temple is in a bigger temple complex housing the other two temples, Poh An Keng (Bao An Gong) and Kao Tiao Kio (Jiu Tiao Qiao) Temple.

Location
95 Tampines Link #01-03  
Singapore 518486
Tel: 6787 9618
Fax: 6466 6863

http://www.ttktemple.org.sg.

Book: Through the Bamboo Window

You might wonder what the Chinese temples in Singapore were like in 1950s. Thanks to the Singapore Heritage Society and additional hardwork put in by the original author of this book "Chinese Temples in Singapore", Dr. Leon Comber, this book combined with Dr. Comber's other books were put together and reprinted as "Through the Bamboo Window". And now, you have a chance to look through the bamboo window to what Chinese temples were like in Singapore in the 1950s.

Some of these temples are still around. Some were gone. It would be a delight taking this new old book on a tour of the mentioned temples and comparing what they are today. The book is now available at all major bookstores in Singapore and through the internet as well.

Thanks to the observant eyes of this "angmoh lang" (the Hokkien description of a caucasian), we have part of the history of Singapore temples captured and frozen through time.

27. Long Shan Gong 龍山宫

A very simple temple nested in the valley surrounded by condos, this little temple lives to tell of its old days and its contributions to the village in this valley. This temple is dedicated to Oon Kim Lau Hu Dai Lin (Wen Jin Liu Fu Da Ren), the patron deities of the Lim Clan.

This temple has a 100 year old history and is linked to its mother temple in Angkuei (Anxi), China. This temple was built sometime at this place at Lorong Puntong in the 1980s, after the piece of land, on which this temple stands, was offered back to the temple after development of the area was completed. The original temple could have been an attap shed in this area since long ago, when a piece of land was offered by a person for this temple to be built, to be dedicated to Wen Fu Da Ren. During the urban renewal and this land was being developed by a private company, the Deities of the temple went on a journey throught 6th Ave and then Clementi Ave 4 before returning to its place of origin in Singapore.

This temple continues with its annual celebration on the 3rd and 4th of the 8th Lunar Month.

26. Feng Huo Yuan 风火院

Nested in this lane, which is considered as part of Paya Lebar Road, are two temple complexes, all new generation temple buildings built as a result of urban renewal in Singapore.

This is one of the two temples in this complex, Feng Huo Yuan 风火院. Interestingly, if you look at the name at the temple, you would see the word "Huo" (which is fire) up-side-down. It could be in the belief that if it is written this way, then the fire would not come alive!

I could remember long long ago when I first visited this temple (which was already built), an old man was sharing with me the stories of olden times, when it was still farm land in this area. Under the renewal programe, the small temple (probably in a hut or so) had to make way, but he told me that the main deity refused to move. And so, the devotees had to see how to keep the temple in its place. Alas I did not have the chance to follow up, but happy to note that till this day, this temple is still there. It probably still has a story to tell of the olden days with its neighbourhood forming the devoteeship.

This temple is dedicated to, amongst the many Deities, Hong Jun Fa Zu 鸿钧法祖 (known to the Hokkiens as Ang Kun Huat Chor or Ang Kun Lor Chor). While there are a couple of such temples dedicated to Hong Jun Fa Zhu in Penang, Malaysia, in Singapore, it is rare.

This temple has an active group of members practising the tradition of the cultivated Tao. They even produce CDs of their chanting, to be given away free. You can get copies from the temple.

Nine Emperor Gods: Long Nan Dian sendoff

Long Nan Dian sent off Nine Emperor Gods in a rousing ceremony at the East Coast Parkway on 7 Oct 08 (9th day if the 9th moon).

There were nine palanquins in the send-off.

25. Jiu Xian Gong 九玄宫

The Jiu Xian Gong 九玄宫, the shortened name for 九天玄女真仙。俗称玄女妈宫, started in 1928 by the Bai Clan at 7 milestone, Tampines Rd. In 1970, owing to rapid urbanisation, the temple started looking for a more permanent place for the temple. In 1982, a piece of land at Tampines Road was found and in 1985, the temple was built.

Many of the devotees and supporters of the temple are still from the Bai 白 Clan. Today, the temple stood tall at one end of the row of temples along the Old Tampines Road. Recently, further renovation to the temple was made.

This temple's main diety is Jiu Tian Xuan Nv 九天玄女. Jiu Tian Xuan Nv has a very long history and is well known amongst the Chinese people.

Second Book on Chinese Temples launched

The second book on Chinese Temples has been launched by Shin Ming Daily on 1 Feb 2007. Costing S$5 a copy, this book covering some 40 Temples are available in newstands and major bookstores.

24. Jin Long Si 金龙寺

A temple that started off in an attap shed on a land donated by a grateful jeweller during WWII (1941), Jin Long Si, 金龙寺 (originally known as Jin Long Miao) was later rebuilt into a zinc-roof and wooden structure. It has since stood still with passing time. Today, this unique structure in the midst of rapid developments in the Lorong How Sun (off Bartley Rd & Upper Paya Lebar Rd) area, which is as busy as before, stood still in time, reminding us of the kampung days in this area and in Singapore.

What is older than this temple is the Bodhi tree that probably has recorded the development or evolution of this temple with passing time and the generations of villagers and worshippers. It stands there, each day watching the worshippers pray or chants. As the 94 year old temple keeper shared her story, whenever she had time, she would come to the tree to meditate. This elder Bodhi tree is said to be about 100 to 120 years old.

Located in a very good fengshui point, this temple and tree have grown into a symbiotic relationship. This could not have been better described than by a father and son devotee of the temple. The tree reminds them of their late wife and mother, and the tree brings peace to them, as with the chanting inside the temple.

While this temple is now actively involved in Buddhist chanting, it is a san-jiao (three religion) temple with teachings derived from the great books of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The teachings of the late master continued to be shared with the devotees each Sunday afternoon through a tape player.

This temple also has many unique Taoist Deities like Nan Wu Wu Ji Sheng Mu and Pan Gu. There must be something in this temple that inspires the artistic talents of the devotees. In the short history of the temple (65 years), the devotees had made a huge statue of the Laughing Buddha out of saw dusts (similar to those used for making joss sticks), built a pagoda and also a pavilion with the life size statue of Nan Wu Wu Ji Sheng Mu.

Devotees of the temple get to take vegetarian meals after the chanting. The vegetarian dishes were created and cooked with such loving care that they are probably the best secrets kept in Singapore. No money can buy. (^^)

At this moment, this temple is in danger of disappearing soon. The Buddhas and Deities willing, it might be a short time left for anyone to enjoy (appreciate) one of the last remaining bastion of rural Singapore temple.

The place: Jin Long Si, Lorong How Sun

23. Seng Wong Beo 都城隍古庙

Seng Wong Beo, as is more popularly known to the older generations in Singapore, was a landmark in Tanjong Pagar. It is still a landmark, an ancient structure dwarfed by the huge and tall concrete skyscrapers. This year, 2006, it celebrates its 101st year of existence.

Painted with both strokes of the Chinese brush style on the exposed outside wall of this temple is Du Cheng Huang Gu Miao 都城隍古庙. Cheng Huang is translated as City God in English.

This temple has an interesting history. It was founded by a Buddhist monk although the temple is more Taoist in nature. It can be considered as a syncretic temple, which is quite common in the Chinese temples in the early days of Singapore.

This temple is also well known as the temple where ghost-marriages are arranged. According to sources, sometimes, a family member of a deceased relative (single who died young) might have a dream about being requested to arrange a marriage for the deceased. Chances are it would be the mother who dreams about it. In about the same time, another family might have a similar request. This temple does "match-making" too, matching them according to the descriptions. This is but one aspects. The SPI website has a more detailed report on this.

Below is an interesting account which was posted on a signage outside the temple, explaining on the history of the temple.

Seng Wong Beo Temple

The temple was founded by Reverent 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 ben and continues to be a place of solace for its many devotees.

22. Tian Gong Tan Zhao Ling Gong 天公坛昭灵宫

There are three temples in the Jurong West Combined Temple 裕廊西聯合宫 [Yu Lang Xi Lian He Gong] located at the corner of Jurong West St. 41 and 51. Looking at the front of the temple, from the left, West Coast Hock Teck Si (Xi Hai An Fu De Ci 西海岸福德祠), Tian Gong Tan Zhao Ling Gong　天公坛昭灵宫, and Xian Long Gong　显龙宫.

In this report, I shall just focus on Tian Gong Tan Zhao Ling Gong.

Tian Gong Tan Zhao Ling Gong 天公坛昭灵宫 has a plaque that briefly described the temple's history and how it was originally merged between the Tian Gong Tan 天公坛 and Zhao Ling Gong 昭灵宫. Reproduced below, with some additions from the Chinese version, is the temple history from the temple's plaque.


Tian Gong Tan Zhao Ling Gong Temple"Tian Gong Tan" was a wooden temple erected [in 1917] by the villagers for the worship of "Tian Gong 天公" and "Qian Shou Guan Yin 千手观音" as well as celebrating "The Hungry Ghosts Festival　中元节" in the 7th Lunar month. it was located at Clementi Park along Sunset Grove.

"Zhao Ling Gong" worships the "Jiu Tian Xuan Nu　九天玄女" and "Zhu, Xing, Li Da Ren　朱,邢,李大人". It was migrated to Singapore from China, Fujian, Anxi province [Gong De Li 公得里(Neighbourhood) Ma Tou Xiang 马头乡(Village) with Mr. Koh 许 (Xu) in the 1930's. After several settlements, it was last settled in Clementi Park. Mr. Koh performed as the Medium and the prayers was carried out in his house. The villagers believed the Holy spirits of "Jiu Tian Xuan Nv" because they will have a peace of mind after the prayers. In order to have a more convenient and comfortable place of worship, the villagers and Mr. Koh came to a concensus in 1943 that the deities of "Zhao Ling Gong" joined "Tian Gong Tan". [In 1975, they started the first management committee, celebrating the Tian Gong's birthday on the 9th of 1st lunar month, celebrating the birthday of Jiu Tian Xuan Nv on 15th of 4th lunar month and the Hungry Ghost Festival on 1st of the 7th lunar month.]

In 1983, the temple site was affected by resettlement and was ordered to move by the Authorities. The villagers and enthusiastic believers formed a Preparatory Committee in 1988 with the name of "Zhao Ling Gong" to raise funds and activities were carried out for about five years to raise the funds needed.

On 28 Feb 1992, the Preparatory Committee jointly bought a piece of land from HDB Land Office, with Shan Leng Temple and West Coast Hock Teck Si, which is located at Jurong West St 41 (current location), 1800 m2 in area for a term of a 30 year lease. The construction of the new Temple commenced on 14 Mar 1993 and was completed after two years.

In 1993, with the name of "Tian Gong Tan Zhao Ling Gong" Temple, the committee applied for registration as a legal society. The application was approved in 1994.

The deities entered the new Temple on 30 Oct 1996.

The main events of the Temple:
(1) Tian Gong's birthday: 9th day of the 1st Lunar month
(2) Jiu Tian Xuan Nu's birthday: 15th day of the 4th Lunar month
(3) The Hungry Ghost Festival: 1st day of the 7th Lunar month