Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
MAN MO TEMPLE
One of Hong Kong's oldest temples, atmospheric Man Mo Temple is dedic-
ated to the god of literature ('Man'), who's always holding a writing brush, and
the god of war ('Mo'), who wields a sword. Built in 1847 during the Qing dyn-
asty by wealthy Chinese merchants, it was, besides a place of worship, a
court of arbitration for local disputes when trust was thin between the
Chinese and the colonialists. Oaths taken at this Taoist temple (often accom-
panied by the ritual beheading of a rooster) were accepted by the colonial
government.
Outside the main entrance are four
gilt plaques
on poles that used to be carried around 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 menstruating women to
keep out of the main hall. Inside the temple are two 19th-century sedan chairs with elaborate
carvings, which used to carry the two gods 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.
Off to the side is
Lit Shing Kung
, the 'saints' palace', a place of worship for other
Buddhist and Taoist deities. Another hall,
Kung Sor
('Public Meeting Place'), used to serve
as a court of justice to settle disputes among the Chinese community before the modern ju-
dicial system was introduced. A couplet at the entrance urges those entering to leave their
selfish interests and prejudices outside.
Fortune-tellers
beckon from inside.
