Thian Hock Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng Temple at 158 Telok Ayer Street was built for the worship of Mazu, a Chinese sea deity from Singapore.  This is the oldest and most important temple of the Hokkien people in Singapore.  It was erected in 1821 by seamen grateful for safe passage.  Its location was apt as it stands where Singapore’s waterfront used to be before the land was reclaimed.  Thian Hock Keng Temple follows a traditional Chinese design, with a rich colour scheme of black, gold and red. The temple’s grounds are also spectacular and the altars, pillars and decorations are unique, ornate and embellished.  In addition, another shrine at the back is Buddhist and is dedicated to Guanyin, the Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva of mercy.