Thian Hock Keng Temple - 158 Telok Ayer St

This is an ancient Chinese temple that worships Ma Zu (Goddess of the Sea). It has a long history of helping people from all walks of life. You can go and take a divine lot when you are inside the temple. The divine lot is just like Ma Zu speaking to you directly, showing you direction in your life. This temple is next to Museum Cafe which offers a great escape from the harsh reality of life. Do pay a visit to this place when you are free. The beauty of the architectural aspect of this ancient chinese temple is a great place for Instagram as well. ?

It’s probably the biggest temple in Singapore, as well as the local religious centre of taoism. With being located among the urban jungle, the building groups show theirs unique style of architecture. Even if you’re not the believer, this temple is still worth your visit and appropriate for the different cultures.

The Pai Tien Kong Festival and relevance to Sugarcane! On the 9th day of the Chinese New Year, the Hokkien people celebrate the Phai Thien Kong (praying the Heaven God) festival which is dedicated to the Jade Emperor. The Hokkiens are a clan from the Southern China Fujian coastal province. (Opposite Taiwan) The 9th day they believe it is the birthday of the Jade Emperor (Thien Kong) who protected their ancestors from a ruthless army in ancient China. During the 12the century Song Dynasty (also named Mongol dynasty) most of the clans in Southern China (Fujian, Henan, Zhejiang) were heavily repressed and lived under great fear of the North China Mongols. Hokkiens were constantly at the mercy of the Mongols who attacked and hunted them, as they are seen a threat to the empire. They then fled to the Henan province where sugarcane plantations were in abundance. Though many were killed by the pursuing Mongols, a group of Hokkiens managed to hide themselves among the sugarcane plants and the pursuing Mongols never located them. Eventually they gave up and returned to their base. On the ninth day of the Chinese Lunar calendar, the Hokkiens emerged from their hideout praising the celestial deities for saving them and believed that the Heavenly God (Jade Emperor) had protected them. Thus, from there on, in all Hokkien celebrations, the sugarcane plant is given special meaning. Note: Above story has to be read as a legend as there are different variations known! It however ends all with the Sugarcane fields and prayers to the Jade God for their survival. This day is still remembered and celebrations starting with prayer at 11pm. Offering tables are prepared in Temples as well as at homes and a pair of sugarcane plants is usually placed, one on each side of the offering table. The pair symbolises unity, cooperation and strength. Sugarcane symbolises harmony, which brings all good outcome. The straightness of the sugarcane stems ensure that the Hokkiens become a clan of honest and sincere people.

Historical temple in the center of modern building. Nice!

It is the place of a Chinese temple, inside that have the free candle for prayer. Inside the temple has a place to pray.

Went on a weekday and the temple provided a serene environment, very quiet and not crowded. There were also brochures available that explained various aspects of the temple including architecture, history and tje gods that resided there. Had a great time admiring the intricate architecture and enjoying the atmosphere

Interesting temple with a long history behind every single wall. Interesting fact is that there isn't a single nail in the construction of the temple!

A historic Chinese temple that is a must visit, not just for its historical value, but for its architecture and culture. The temple has two principal shrines -- Mazu (patron deity of the seafarers and migrants) and Guanyin (the bodhisattva of compassion). Guided tours are available although one can and should wander and take the time to admire the intricate architecture and the shrines to the many deities. A must visit and one where I bring all my friends from abroad who are visiting Singapore.