Have you ever heard of a deity who transitioned from a man to a snake to a god? At the Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple, such a tale unfolds. This temple, nestled in the West Coast of Singapore, is a captivating blend of Taoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism. The main hall is a vibrant spectacle, dedicated to the Lord Green Dragon, also known as Ang Chee Sia Ong.
Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple’s story begins in 1918. Wang Dong Qing brought incense ashes from the original Green Dragon Temple in Chaozhou, China, to Singapore. He began worshipping these ashes in his home. This marked the humble beginnings of the deity’s presence in Singapore. By 1930, a dedicated temple was built at Pasir Panjang’s 7th Milestone. This allowed public worship of Ang Chee Sia Ong. However, redevelopment forced the temple to relocate to its current location on West Coast Drive. The Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple, as we see it today, was officially consecrated in 1997.
The tale of Ang Chee Sia Ong is intertwined with the story of Wang Kang, a righteous official from the Shu Han kingdom. Revered for his honesty, he was posthumously given the title An Ji Shen Wang, which translates to Ang Chee Sia Ong. A temple was built in his honor. Interestingly, green snakes were often seen at the temple. The people of Chao Shan believed these snakes to be transformations of Ang Chee Sia Ong himself. They even believed his spirit protected them in battles. This association led to Ang Chee Sia Ong also being known as the Sacred Lord Green Dragon.
A unique feature of the Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple is a bridge connecting it to the nearby housing estate. It’s said that stepping on the right step on this bridge will bring a shower of blessings from the two dragons depicted there. You can even take home some blessed water from the dragon fountain within the temple. The temple celebrates Ang Chee Sia Ong’s festival on the 5th day of the 5th Lunar Month, a date to mark in your calendars if you’re in Singapore then. So, the next time you find yourself at the Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple, remember the journey of this unique deity. From a respected official to a protective green snake to a revered god, his story is a testament to the fascinating interplay of history, belief, and cultural fusion.