24.7.14

Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong

A colorful temple for 3 religions in Hong Kong.
The Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is home to Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism but it's mostly famous because it "makes every wish come true upon request".


The temple commemorates the famous monk and Taoist God, Wong Tai Sin, who could make a herbal potion that could cure all illnesses. He is therefore worshipped by the sick and those trying to avoid illness. He is also a favourite god of businesspeople.
In 1915, Taoist priests brought a sacred portrait of Wong Tai Sin from Guangdong in Southern China to Hong Kong. They set up a small shrine for the portrait in Hong Kong Island and a herbal shop, then built a new shrine and temple in Kowloon City in 1937. It used to be a private shrine and only Pu Yi Tan Taoists and their family members were allowed. In 1956, permission was obtained for the temple to open to the public.
Now still housing the precious portrait, the Temple is where worshippers pray for good fortune through offerings, divine guidance and fortune telling.
The temple was built according to the 5 Chinese Feng Shui geomantic elements: Bronze Pavilion (Metal); Archives Hall (Wood); Yuk Yik Fountain (Water); Yue Heung Shrine (Fire); Earth Wall (Earth).
 Other areas of the complex include the Three Saints Hall, the Confucian Hall and the extravagantly colourful Good Wish Garden that is lavishly decorated with chinoiserie.

The Main Altar
It is for the worship of Wong Tai Sin. Its reconstruction was completed in 1973. With the sacred portrait of Master Wong Tai Sin, the wall of the altar is decorated with many paintings and teachings of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The story of Wong Tai Sin is also engraved inside the altar.

Three Saints Hall
Next to the Main Altar, the Hall is for the worship of historic hero and famous Chinese goddess Kwun Yam, General Kwan and Taoist monk Fairy Lui.
Confucian Hall
Dedicated to Confucius and his 72 followers.

Yuk Yik Fountain
The fountain symbolizes for "Water" element and is distinguished by 7 lotuses.

 
Good Wish Garden
Opened in 1991, the Garden provides a magnificent place with typical Chinese architectural features for visitors. There are pavilions of different shapes-circular, square, two-storey, octagonal and fan-shaped; along side with two ponds and an artificial waterfall. All the pavilions are linked up by a long-corridor, which is a replica of that in the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Yue Heung Shrine
This hexagonal building is dedicated to the Buddha of Lighting Lamp, representing "Fire" in the five geomantic elements.*


It takes about an hour (or more, depending of your knowledge of the culture and religions or if you plan to stop for worshipping, offerings or fortune-telling) to visit the vast and colorful complex, and it is certainly worth it.

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
2, Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2327 8141
Fax: (852) 2351 5640
www.siksikyuen.org.hk - www.wongtaisin.org.hk - www.wongtaisintemple.org.hk
Wong Tai Sin MTR Station, Exit B2.
Opening Hours
Temple : 07:00 - 17:30 daily Office : 08:00 - 17:30 daily Good Wish Garden : 09:00 - 17:00 daily
*Font: https://www.siksikyuen.org.hk/public/main?

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