Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore

The Thian Hock Keng Temple is considered to be the oldest and most sacred Fukien or Hoklo temple of Singapore. Divided into two parts, the main part of the temple is dedicated to the Taoist goddess Matsu, the savior of fishermen and sailors; while the other temple at the back is dedicated to the bodhisattva of mercy-Kuan Yin. There is an interesting story regarding the temple's origin. Soon after the British had established a trading port in Singapore, Chinese people started coming to Singapore in search of jobs. These early Chinese immigrants, to show their gratitude to goddess Matsu for blessing them with a safe passage over perilous South China Sea, constructed a joss house between 1821 and 1822. Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore was however formerly built between 1839 and 1842.

The Chinese immigrants wholeheartedly donated towards the building of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore. The entrance gate of this temple is grand to say the least. The side entrance gates are not less impressive either. Brightly colored tiles were used in the construction of the side entrance gate which portrays pictures of peacocks, roses and the signature Buddhist symbol of Swastika. The Swastika connotes good luck, eternity and immortality. To ward off the evil spirits, the entrance gates are guarded by statues of tigers, lions and Door Gods. There are two courtyards behind the main and side entrance gates. The main prayer hall of the temple houses the shrine of Ma Cho Po. The pagoda on the left side of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore contains the statue of Confucius; while another pagoda to the right houses the ancestral tablets of the founding fathers of the temple.

Located on the Telok Ayer Street, the Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore can easily be reached on foot from Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar MRT station. This temple would surely impress you with its grand architectural style and solemnity.

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