Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown, the "Temple of Heavenly Happiness" is one of the oldest and perhaps the most important Fukien or Hoklo temple in Singapore. The main temple is for Taoist goddess of the sea and protector of seamen and the temple at the back of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown is a Buddhist one which celebrates the power of Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of mercy.
The history of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown is quite interesting and it can be traced back to 1819. Chinese immigrants used to come to Singapore by crossing South China Sea after Singapore was made a trading port by the British.
Founder:A "joss house" was built in 1821- 1822 for thanking the goddess for their safe journey. In 1842 the joss house was replaced by Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown. Thian Hock Keng was set up with the purpose of running a school and community center within the temple. Successful business men who were grateful to the goddess contributed to the renovation costs. After the completion of the new construction, a statue of Ma Cho Po was brought from China and was placed in the main prayer hall.
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