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Siong Lim Temple |
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Siong Lim Temple, an old and large Buddhist temple, commemorates
Lord Buddha's birth and death. In English, Siong Lim Temple can be
translated as 'the Twin Groves of the Lotus Mountain Temple'. Built in 1908,
the Temple complex also hosts a smaller temple, a monastery and a rock
garden.
Donations for the construction of the temple came from all over South East
Asia. The place is nice to understand Buddhist monasteries in general.
Although the temple underwent extensive restoration under guidance of the
experts of China, it continues to function as a monastery.
The Temple was designated as a national monument in 1980. |
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Architecture
The layout of the temple is similar to most Chinese Mahayana monasteries.
It holds huge incense burners and a beautifully carved Buddha idol brought
from Thailand. The temple's beauty is now enhanced by a seven storey
gold-topped pagoda which is a replica of the 800 year old Shanfeng temple
pagoda in Fujian in China.
The buildings in the temple complex include the Dharma Hall, a main prayer
hall, as well as drum and bell towers. The complex is constructed in such as
way that no matter how vast the grounds are, any monk can find his way
around. Granite wall panels carved with scenes from Chinese history enhance
the beauty of the entrance hall. In the back portion of the temple is a
shrine to Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy. The prayer hall has been adorned with
fantastic details in the ceiling and wooden panels. In the back is a shrine
to Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy.
Concise History
The temple was built after approximate 80 years after the founding of modern Singapore. The constructed was initiated by a local businessman Low Kim pong. Style of a cong lin monastery has been followed in building the monastery. Originally construction of the temple was modeled after the Xichang temple in Fujian province, but it has been built in uniquely Singaporean way.
Address
Siong Lim Temple
Toa Payoh, Singapore |
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