Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Outside the Entrance
Here are four gilt plaques on poles that used to be carried at processions. Two describe the
gods being worshipped inside, one requests silence and a show of respect within the
temple's grounds, and the last warns women who are menstruating to keep out of the main
hall as the blood is believed to put them in a state of ritual defilement.
Main Hall
Two gold-plated sedan chairs with elaborate carvings sit here. They used to carry the
statues of the deities during festivals. Lending the temple its beguiling and smoky air are
rows of large earth-coloured spirals suspended from the roof, like strange fungi in an
upside-down garden. These are incense coils burned as offerings by worshippers.
Lit Shing Kung
Off to the side of the main hall is 'saints' palace', built around the same time as the
temple. It's a place of worship for other Buddhist and Taoist deities, including the goddess
of mercy and Tai Sui, the 60 heavenly generals who each represent a particular year in the
60-year cycle of the Chinese almanac.
Kung Sor
This hall, with its name literally meaning 'public meeting place', used to serve as a court
of justice to settle disputes in the Chinese community before the modern judicial system
was introduced. A couplet at the entrance urges those entering to leave their selfish in-
terests and prejudices outside.
Top Tips
›
The English-speaking fortune teller, Master Ng (11.30am to 4.30pm, random days off) charges $500 to tell your
fortune and $20 to interpret a fortune stick.
›
You'll see a canister filled with fortune sticks in the temple. You can shake the canister, tilting it slightly, until a
stick falls out. Each stick has a number corresponding to lines of text, which the fortune teller can interpret for
you.
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