Located 1/2 block beyond Nagore Durgha Shrine, the Thian Hock Keng Temple is just a short walk from the Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar MRT Station in Singapore.

In 1819, the British laid the foundation of the trading port in Singapore. From then onwards, the Chinese immigrants began to arrive in Singapore crossing the dangerous South China Sea. A joss house was constructed in 1821-22 where these immigrants prayed immediately after arriving, thanking the goddess Ma Po Cho (the Mother of the Heavenly Sages was the patron goddess of sailors) for making their journey successful and safe. The temple that stands today was constructed on the same site between 1839-42. The entire expenses were born by the Hokkien community spearheaded by the efforts of two Malacca-born philanthropists, Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kim Seng. A year after the construction of the temple commenced, the statue of Ma Cho Po was brought from China and installed in the main prayer hall amidst great celebration.

Though, huge amount of money was spent to construct the temple, there were a number of items that were recycled and used for construction as well as embellishment. For example, the timber, stone columns and tiles were previously ballast on Chinese junks while the mosaic pieces used on the temple roof to create bird feathers, dragon scales and flower petals were broken pieces of pottery and cutlery from ships. The most invaluable gift of the temple, a calligraphic panel, was a present to the temple from the Emperor of China, Guang Xu. The temple was declared a national monument on 6th July 1973.


Inside The Temple Complex
The temple is constructed in a style that is typical of South China.

The material for the construction of the temple, barring a few, were brought all the way form China. Amongst these exception is the grand entrance gateway that was imported from Glasgow, Scotland. On the sides of the door are two lions, a male and a female. The male lion is symbolic of strength while the female lion is symbolic of fertility. Also on the door are the doorgods or the mythical beasts that are made from joining the body parts of many animals. The wooden bar at the foot of the temple entrance is there for a couple of purposes. Firstly, it prevents the entrance of ghosts and secondly, it forces anyone entering to the temple to bow down and thereby pay their respect to the deity. Entering inside, you will notice a granite tablet that details the history of the temple.

Moving further, you reach the main altar of the temple which is dedicated to Ma Po Cho. The deity is flanked on its one side by the Protector of Life and on the other by the God of War. Installed on one side of the hall is the statue of the Gambler Brother, who is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. On the back of the main hall is an altar dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Her statue is flanked by the sun and moon gods.

Within the temple complex, you can also see a a pagoda and a number of outer buildings that at one point of time housed a school and community associations.


ChinaTown
China Town is a place where the first Chinese immigrants came way back in 1821. These Chinese came mostly from Xiamen, in the Fujian province of China. Poverty was rampant at that time and even water was carted to each house from a single well. Today, things have changed for better, however, the Chinese influence is still dominant. Shops of 18th century stand alongside the modern shopping centre. The vibrancy of the area reaches its crescendo during the Chinese New Year when lights gleam magnificently and the stalls put on sale a variety of festive food.

Accommodation option in ChinaTown include both mid range and budget. The mid range hotels include the Keong Saik Hotel, ChinaTown Hotel and Royal Peacock. Amongst the Budget hotels, you can try out A Travellers Rest-Stop.