Introduction:Thian Hock Keng Temple, or Temple of Heavenly Happiness (directly translated) is the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore. The main temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Taoist goddess of the sea and protector of all sailors, while a second temple at the back is a Buddhist one dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva of mercy.
History:
As Chinese immigrants started to arrive, crossing the South China Sea, a “joss house” was built from 1821 to 1822 for them to pray and thank the Goddess for their safe passage.Thian Hock Keng Temple was later built on the site from 1839 to 1842. It served as a temple, school and community centre. A statue of Mazu arrived one year later from China and was installed in the temple's newly completed main prayer hall. In 1907, the temple received a calligraphic panel from the Emperor of China himself, Guang Xu of the Qing Dynasty. Thian Hock Keng Temple was gazetted as a national monument on 6 July 1973.
Introduction: Mazu:According to legend, Lin Moniang's (Mazu) were out at sea when a terrible typhoon arose. In the midst of this storm, she fell into a trance while praying for the lives of her father and brothers. She was saving her father and brother but her mother woke her up. This diverted Moniang's attention and caused her to drop her brother who drowned as a result. Consequently, Moniang's father returned alive and told the other villagers that a miracle had happened.
Guan Yin:
Guan Yin is the Bodhisattva associated with compassion. The name Guan Yin is the short form for Guan Shi Yin which means "Observing the sounds, or cries of the world". She is commonly known in English as the Goddess of Mercy and is also revered by Chinese Taoists (Taoists) as an Immortal.
Personal account:
I was really amazed that this was one of the hot spots for tourists. When I went to the temple, there were buses transporting tourists from Americans to Indians and much more. Many of the tourists, like me, were fascinated by the art work of the structure. Even the panel from Emperor Guang Xu was well preserved.The temple had recently been repainted and the ceilings looked new. It is really astounding that this temple is the oldest and most popular in Singapore. Even though the temple might be small, it hosts many deities. At the side of the temple there are some boards which illustrates how Lin Moniang became the Goddess of the Seas, Mazu. After visiting Thian Hock Kheng temple I now much more about the deities that Taoists and Buddhists worship and how important this temple is to the Hokkien people in Singapore.
Directions:
One can either take the MRT and alight at the OCBC Tiong Baru MRT or alight at the Telok Ayer MRT. For the Tiong Baru station, one would just have to cross the road to reach Thian Hock Kheng temple. For the Telok Ayer station crossing the road would also be required and one must pass the Nagore Durgha Shrine before Thian Hock Kheng temple. Click on the link below to see a map
Map for Thian Hock Kheng
(it might take awhile to load)
