Thian Hock Keng Temple
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Thian Hock Keng Temple (THKT) is one of the oldest Hokkien temples in Singapore. It is believed that Chinese immigrants visited the temple to give thanks to Mazu (Goddess of the Seas) for their safe voyage.
The temple is built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style and was assembled without nails. The Qing Dynasty Emperor, Guang Xu, had presented a plaque inscribed with the words that translate as Gentle Waves over the South Seas, which depict the stature of the temple.
THKT is managed by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan and was gazetted a national monument in 1973. The temple’s restoration efforts in 2001 have won the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2001 Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation Building.
The temple remains an important place of worship for local Chinese Buddhists and Taoists.