Thian Hock Keng Temple
This is one of Singapore's oldest and most magnificent Chinese
temples. Also referred to as the Temple of Happiness its stand on
Telok Ayer Street, "Water by the Bay" a time was remembered before
repossession of land when the streets lead along side the shores of
Singapore's Straights. The temple's recorded history is linked to
early immigrants to Singapore. These immigrants gave thanks to "Ma Zu"
(a Toaist deity and protector of seafarers) after they had travelled
hard journey across the China sea.
A "joss house" was erected on the location of this temple by the
Fujian Community (Hokkien). The Chinese Philanthropist Tan Tock Seng
(1798 to 1850) was the largest donor and was also the person that
leaded the construction efforts. All of these among other history of
the temple can be found in granite tablets on the walls of the inside
of the temple.
In the middle of the main hall you can see the god of war to your
right on the protector of life to your left. The statue of Ma Cho, and
other deities of luck, war and punishment can be found inside the
temple on the main alter.
The architectural nature of the temple is the traditional Southern
Chinese fashion of building. The design of the temple carries the
Chinese standard of axial symmetry. The roof is a magnificent sight
with curved ridges, extended leaves with upturned Minnan (southern
Fujian) 'swallow tail' end curves and generous ornamentation. In 1998
seventy Chinese artisans renovated the building. If you take a close
look at the glorious carpentry design you will be quick to point out
there there is no nails present in the wood used in the joins and
arches.
Book a Limousine cab or Maxi cab for a tour to Thain Hock Keng Temple today.