Siong Lim Temple
Siong Lim Temple is a Buddhist monastery located in Toa Payoh, Singapore. The temple was established in 1898 CE and the premises was completed only in 1907 CE by Low Kim Pong. The temple's premises also consists of a seven storey gold-topped pagoda. This pagoda is the replica of the ancient Shanfeng temple pagoda situated in Fujian.
It is recorded that the buildings at the temple underwent the preservation and rebuilding at various phases due to the termite infestations, harsh tropical weather and also due to wear and tear caused by worshippers. It was first carried out between 1918-1919 and a second time between 1950-1954. The final phase of the restoration was accomplished in 2001 CE. After this, the monastery was again reopened to the public.
Historical accounts of Siong Lim Temple
Siong Lim Temple is also known as Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery which literally means Twin Grove of the Lotus Mountain Temple. It is believed that the name of the monastery refers to the twin groves of sala trees which is located at the Bodhgaya in India. It is the place where the Buddha was believed to attained the enlightenment.
It is recorded that the land where the temple was constructed was owned by Low Kim Pong. He was wealthy Chinese merchant and as well as devotional Buddhists. It is recorded that when Low Kim Pong was in his sixties, he had a dream in which he saw a golden light rising from the west over the sea. Next day, he went to the coast where he met a Hokkien family. The entire family were from Fujian, China and had taken Buddhist vows. They were returning from Sri Lanka after the pilgrimage to their home.
Low was highly influenced by their devotion and hence tried to persuade to stay in Singapore and help to spread the teachings of the Buddha. Low also promised to build a temple with the purpose to spread the Buddha's teachings. After the construction, the Head of the family, Xiam Huai was appointed as the first abbot of the temple.
Architectural features of Siong Lim Temple
It is recorded that the Siong Lim Temple is modeled after Xi Chan Si, a temple in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. Both the temple - Siong Lim Temple and Xi Chan Si - are examples of Cong lin styled temples. In this type of temples, a standardized layout of the buildings within the premises of the temple is adopted. The temple complex constitutes with three main halls that are separated by two courtyards. The buildings and the hall are arranged along a central north-south axis. The main entrance is constructed facing the south direction which confirms the Chinese principles of feng shui.
Important building at Siong Lim Temple
Shan Men: it is the main gate of the temple. It includes a majestic gate known as pai lou which has the height of over 9m tall and has a wooden roof. This gate is supported by stone pillars decorated with Chinese calligraphy inscriptions. The doors are also decorated with Buddhist guardians. The central door includes a bronze knocker which is attached with the mouth of the statue of the snail-shaped creature attached to the door.
Tian Wang Dian: It is the hall of Celestial Kings. It includes a half-hip roof with 9 ridges and has a granite wall panel which depicts Chinese culture and history through murals.
Da Xiong Bao Dian: It is the Mahavira Hall which has a two-tiered half hip roof with 9 ridges supported by colorful beams decorated with carvings of lotuses and dragons. The doors are decorated with carved lattice motifs of flowers, birds and Chinese symbols of longevity. The exterior walls are decorated with tortoise-shell designs.
Dharma Hall: This hall is situated at the back of the temple complex. This hall houses the statues of the Bodhisattva Guanyin and ash urns. Among the building in the temple complex, this hall is the oldest building which was rebuilt in 1978 CE.
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