Hong San See: Difference between revisions
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===Features=== |
===Features=== |
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*The [[entrance]] faces south or the ''[[Yin and yang|yang]]'' position with the back of the complex against higher ground and the cold north that generates ''[[Yin and yang|yin]]''. |
*The [[entrance]] faces south or the ''[[Yin and yang|yang]]'' position with the back of the complex against higher ground and the cold north that generates ''[[Yin and yang|yin]]''. |
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*Within the entrance [[hall]], on either side, are [[granite]] [[Commemorative plaque|plaque]]s dated [[1868]] and 1913 which list the [[donor]]s who contributed to the building of the temple. There are other modern plaques on the [[wall]]s commemorating more recent donors. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 18:07, 14 October 2006
Hong San See (Chinese: 凤山寺) is a Chinese temple in Singapore, and is located at Mohamed Sultan Road in the River Valley Planning Area, within the Central Area, Singapore's central business district.
Hong San See Temple was constructed between 1908 and 1913, erected by migrants from Nan An town in Fujian province with materials imported from China. Built on a small hill, the temple once overlooked the sea. Now, it views a thriving pubbing district and expensive apartments.
The temple is owned by the Singapore Lam Ann Association.
History
The original temple to the God of Wealth was built in 1829 on Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar, and was erected by migrants from Nan An town in Fujian province of China. In 1907, the land was acquired by the government for road widening and the temple trustees were given compensation of $50,000. The temple trustees used the money to buy land on a 999-year lease on Mohamed Sultan Road from Sam Tomlimson who was the Municipal Engineer.
The name of the temple means "Temple on Phoenix Hill". Sited on the side of Institution Hill, the temple was situated on high ground with a view of the sea. According to the principles of Chinese geomancy, this is a prime spot for a temple.
The construction of the temple began in 1908 with materials imported from China. The chief contractor was Lim Loh, the father of World War II hero Lim Bo Seng. The temple was completed in 1913 at the cost of $56,000. It was renovated once in 1934 and again in 1962. In 1970 renovations to the temple were not done according to restoration guidelines and several features were removed. These are to be restored to make the temple faithful to its orginal early twentieth century architecture. One major change, now likely to have been removed, was the addition of ornate carvings painted in gold all along the trusses of the temple.
As with some of the other Chinese temples in Singapore, its premises were used as a school for children from nearby villages. Called Nan Ming School, it was closed after ten years when it ran into financial difficulties.
Today, Hong San See has lost its view of the sea, blocked by high-rises which now surround it. However, it remains on high ground, and to reach the temple, devotees have to climb a long flight of stairs.
Hong San See Temple was gazetted as a national monument on 10 November, 1978.
Architecture
Features
- The entrance faces south or the yang position with the back of the complex against higher ground and the cold north that generates yin.
- Within the entrance hall, on either side, are granite plaques dated 1868 and 1913 which list the donors who contributed to the building of the temple. There are other modern plaques on the walls commemorating more recent donors.
References
- Lee Geok Boi (2002), The Religious Monuments of Singapore, Landmark Books, ISBN 981-3065-62-1
- Preservation of Monuments Board, Know Our Monuments
