Peeking out from behind incense smoke, Leang San King Temple tells a story of faith and community. This temple also known as Dragon Mountain Temple stands as a testament to Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.
Leang San King, a Buddhist temple, is one of Singapore’s most ornate. Reverend Chun Wu established it in 1917. He arrived in Singapore in 1913 with only an urn and a Guan Yin statue. Guan Yin is the Goddess of Mercy.
Initially, the temple was named Leong San Lodge. It consisted of a few huts. Reverend Chun Wu cared for the sick there. The central hut housed the Goddess of Mercy.
The present Leang San King temple was constructed in 1926. Building materials were imported from China. Tan Boon Liat a prominent merchant funded it.
Inside Leang San King, you will see an altar with a Confucius image. Parents bring their children to pray for intelligence here. They also pray for filial piety.
In the 1950s, Venerable Sek Kong Hiap planned a new temple next to Leang San King. He realized the need for a school was more pressing. He founded Leong San School within the temple in 1954. The school began with four classrooms. It provided free Mandarin classes.
Enrolment grew rapidly. A plot next to the temple was acquired. Mee Toh School was built there. Mee Toh means “eternal brightness” in Mandarin. Students often visited Leang San King to pray. In 2004, the school shifted to new premises in Punggol. It continues to be closely linked to the Leang San King Temple.
Leang San See Temple will continue offering aid. It assists anyone in need. This is regardless of race, language, or belief. The temple’s actions align with the compassion taught by the Buddha.
Leang San King is more than a religious site. It embodies the spirit of helping those in need. It showcases the blend of Buddhism and Taoism. It stands as a beacon of compassion. The temple demonstrates how faith can shape communities.