Benevolence and endurance. These are the words inscribed above the moon gate at Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple. This temple stands as a testament to the charitable spirit of the Teochew community.
Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a historical landmark. It reflects the dedication to traditional Chinese medicine and community support. The temple’s story began long ago. The Shan Tang originated in Chao Shan. It flourished wherever Chao Zhou descendants settled. This includes Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The Bukit Timah branch is part of a larger network. It is described as “One Origin, One Main and Six Branches”. The main temple is in Bedok. Other branches are in Toa Payoh Singapore, Malacca Malaysia, Muar Malaysia, Pontian Malaysia, and Penang Malaysia.
In 1986, this Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple moved. It relocated from Jalan Seh Chuan to its current location on Jurong East. For nearly 25 years, it stood in Bukit Timah.
This temple is dedicated to Sung Da Feng Zu Shi. He is also known as Saint Ta-Fung or Chor Soo Kong. His statue holds the central position on the main prayer hall’s altar. To his right is the Monkey God. To his left is Jigong. Singapore has three Sung Da Feng temples. The others are in Toa Payoh and Bedok. Malaysia has four. They are in Pontian, Muar, Melaka, and Butterworth.
Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple is part of the Blue Cross movement. This movement began during the Japanese Occupation in 1942. Five Chinese “Siang Tng” groups pooled resources for a common goal. These groups were Seu Teck, Nam Ann, Phoh Kiu, Thong Hong, and Thong Teck. The Blue Cross Movement serves the community without expecting reward. It establishes free feeding centers and medical centers.
Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong offers free medical consultation. This includes acupuncture. It even has its own dispensary. The clinic operates on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. It is housed in an annexe near the main temple.
Sung Da Feng’s biography is engraved on a mural here. It tells of his vow to build a bridge. This was to help travelers crossing a dangerous river. People laughed but he persisted. He raised funds and surveyed the area. He returned later with food, timber, granite, and laborers. The bridge was completed in one year. It had 19 arches.
During construction, it’s said that Sung Da Feng sent a message to the City God. The tide stopped coming for seven days. A temple was set up in his honor. It was named Pao Te meaning repayment of kindness.
As you leave Bukit Timah Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple consider its legacy. It embodies the values of benevolence, endurance, and community service. The temple continues to provide free medical services. It stands as a beacon of hope and help in the community.