Kuan Im Tng Temple, Singapore Overview

The vibrant Kuan Im Tng Temple is situated at the heart of Joo Chiat in Tembeling Road Singapore and is thronged by devotees throughout the year. In addition to being a temple, Kuan Im Tng (devoted to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy) also doubles as a spiritual hub for the Buddhist fraternity and home to the religions of Taoism and Confucianism. This feature makes Kuan Im Tng Temple stand out from the other temples, as it has managed to accommodate the essence of three different religions with panache into the "Xian Tian Sect". If seeking peace and quietude, make sure to visit this place on weekdays.

The structure of Kuan Im Tng Temple has reached its present stature after going through not less than two renovations. Formerly, this religious abode used to be a small structure, with coconut plantations surrounding it. During festivals and on weekends, the divine air around this temple is filled with the scent of incense burnt by the worshippers, and a soft hum of prayers leaving the lips of the devotees reaches your ears.

Architecture of Kuan Im Tng Temple

The majestic Kuan Im Tng Temple has a unique architectural style which sets it apart from other places of worship. Its embellished exterior and the doors at the entrance are fringed with circular windows. Colourful mosaic symbols of the Eight Immortals of the Chinese Mythology adorn the edges of the windows and the Chinese-made roof tiles are green in colour. The ridges of the roof are decorated with figures of the famous dancing dragons which are said to symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

The first thing that one notices here is the gorgeous idol of Cundi Bodhisattva at the entrance which is responsible for drawing in a large number of worshippers with its glorious presence. Apart from the presiding deity of Kuan Yin, the prayer hall also houses the idols of the Sun and Moon Gods, and of Confucius.

History

The founder of the Kuan Im Tng Temple was Master Lee Nan Shan. The construction of the serene temple took place in 1921 on a piece of land that was donated to the temple authorities by the late trustee Zheng Jintai's mother in 1919. When the sacred temple was still undergoing its second renovation in 1988, the then abbot, Master Wu Shen He unexpectedly breathed his last on the Amitabha's birthday in 1989, without any prior signs of illness. The construction, however, did not stop and Cheu Yok Beng, the present abbot shouldered all responsibilities immediately. The commemoration ceremony of this new, magnificent structure was held on the 2nd of June, 1991.

How To Reach Kuan Im Tng Temple

The nearest MRT station from the Kuan Im Tng Temple is the Eunos MRT. Bus 33 will drop you at Joo Chiat (B82151) bus stop. From there, it takes hardly a minute to reach the temple.