蠔涌車公古廟

Could a temple truly hold the key to a village’s prosperity? Here at the Yuen Long Che Kung Temple, nestled in the heart of Sha Tin, Hong Kong, such a tale unfolds. The Yuen Long Che Kung Temple, also known as the Che Kung Ancient Temple, stands as a testament to faith and folklore. It’s positioned north of Yuen Long River and Yuen Long Road, east of Yuen Long New Village, and east of the former ATV Yuen Long Studio. This Yuen Long Che Kung Temple boasts nearly five centuries of history. Its location and construction, meticulously chosen according to feng shui principles, face the river and are backed by protective woodlands. The temple’s traditional architectural design further enhances its timeless appeal. Legend has it that Che Kung, a Song Dynasty general, sought refuge in Hong Kong with Emperor Bing of Song. He is credited with quelling an uprising in Huizhou during the late Southern Song dynasty. He eventually settled in Yuen Long, where his presence was believed to have miraculous healing powers. The villagers revered him, and the Yuen Long Che Kung Temple was erected in his honor, solidifying his place in local lore. A peculiar story surrounds the temple. After its construction, some villagers felt that the statue of General Che Kung, depicted as a warrior without a horse, lacked the commanding presence of a military leader. They pooled their resources and bought a white stone horse, placing it outside the temple. Strange occurrences began soon after. Yuen Long village, typically blessed with bountiful harvests, experienced a series of inexplicable crop failures. The rice stalks grew tall and healthy, but the grains within the husks vanished. Each morning, villagers discovered their fields trampled, the rice stalks flattened, with hoof prints marking the ground. This persisted for three years, baffling everyone. A feng shui master was consulted. He declared the white stone horse to be the culprit, its spirit disrupting the village’s harmony. The villagers buried the horse beneath the temple grounds, placing an incense burner on top as a symbolic measure to suppress its energy. Peace and prosperity returned to Yuen Long. While this may sound like a simple folk tale, a curious scholar, intrigued by the story, attempted to excavate the white stone horse years later. Using radar equipment, he pinpointed its location. However, just as he was about to commence digging, he was met with strong resistance from the villagers, who feared a return of the misfortune. The excavation was abandoned. The Yuen Long Che Kung Temple remains a vibrant center of worship. Every year, on the second day of the Lunar New Year, devotees flock to the temple to celebrate Che Kung’s birthday, a festival known as “Che Kung Festival.” Their fervent prayers and offerings reflect the enduring power of belief and the rich tapestry of traditions woven into the fabric of this historic site.