During the Chinese New Year period, my in-laws shared with us that there was one temple located within the city that they wished to visit but has forgotten its name. Based on their description and with the help of images from Google search, we managed to locate the temple that they were referring to.
Yueh Hai Ching Temple (粤海清庙), located in Raffles Place is one of Singapore's oldest Chinese temples. In the 1820s, many from the Chaoshan (Teochew and Swatow) region of Guangdong province of China travelled to Southeast Asia by sea. To express gratitude for their safe journey, a shrine was set up dedicated to the deity Mazu - 妈祖 (Goddess of the Sea). Subsequently, the Lao Ye Temple (Lau Ya Keng), dedicated to Xuan Tian Shang Di - 玄天上帝, the ancestral deity of the Teochews was set up. The two temples were believed to have been merged in 1826 and this twin temple was named Yueh Hai Ching Temple.
Over the years, Yueh Hai Ching has undergone expansion and renovations. The recent restoration works was completed and it reopened its door to the public on 31st March 2014.
I was fascinated by the craftsmanship that can be seen around the temple. The dragons and human figurines on the rooftop, sculptures of phoenix, dragons and tiger on the walls, and other engravings on the timbers and murals. No wonder it has won the UNESCO Heritage Award and URA Architectural Heritage Award!
Despite being enclosed by the modern skyscrapers, Yueh Hai Ching temple stands out distinctively. The wide, front courtyard gives a sense of peace and serenity upon entering. To me, it is indeed quite rare to have such space in the central district.
The 45 craftsmen from Shantou has definitely put in much effort in restoring the temple. Every piece of murals and sculptures is with such detail, telling a story of its past and leaving a part of the history for the next generation.
If you wish to witness it's rich heritage values, Yueh Hai Ching temple is located along Phillip St (opposite Tan Ean Kiam Building) and about 5 minutes walk away from Raffles Place MRT.
Yueh Hai Ching Temple (粤海清庙), located in Raffles Place is one of Singapore's oldest Chinese temples. In the 1820s, many from the Chaoshan (Teochew and Swatow) region of Guangdong province of China travelled to Southeast Asia by sea. To express gratitude for their safe journey, a shrine was set up dedicated to the deity Mazu - 妈祖 (Goddess of the Sea). Subsequently, the Lao Ye Temple (Lau Ya Keng), dedicated to Xuan Tian Shang Di - 玄天上帝, the ancestral deity of the Teochews was set up. The two temples were believed to have been merged in 1826 and this twin temple was named Yueh Hai Ching Temple.
Over the years, Yueh Hai Ching has undergone expansion and renovations. The recent restoration works was completed and it reopened its door to the public on 31st March 2014.
I was fascinated by the craftsmanship that can be seen around the temple. The dragons and human figurines on the rooftop, sculptures of phoenix, dragons and tiger on the walls, and other engravings on the timbers and murals. No wonder it has won the UNESCO Heritage Award and URA Architectural Heritage Award!
Despite being enclosed by the modern skyscrapers, Yueh Hai Ching temple stands out distinctively. The wide, front courtyard gives a sense of peace and serenity upon entering. To me, it is indeed quite rare to have such space in the central district.
"风调雨顺" meaning favourable weather (for good harvesting) crafted on its front door.
Front courtyard
My in-laws were definitely delighted to be back here once again after many years, and we offered our prayers to the deities.
The 45 craftsmen from Shantou has definitely put in much effort in restoring the temple. Every piece of murals and sculptures is with such detail, telling a story of its past and leaving a part of the history for the next generation.
A strong contrast between modern and history. Am loving the sculptures on the rooftop against the city backdrop.
If you wish to witness it's rich heritage values, Yueh Hai Ching temple is located along Phillip St (opposite Tan Ean Kiam Building) and about 5 minutes walk away from Raffles Place MRT.
Yueh Hai Ching Temple (粤海清庙)
Address: 30B Phillip St, Singapore 048696
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily
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Ai @ Sakura Haruka
-Priscilla @punggolbabies-
cheers, Andy
(SengkangBabies)
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