Jin Long Si Temple

Whispers of three faiths intertwined. That’s the essence of Jin Long Si Temple. Here at 32 Tai Seng Avenue, the spirit of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism dances together. Jin Long Si Temple wasn’t always this grand structure. It began humbly in 1941 as Jin Long Miao, a simple attap hut in Bartley. Funded by generous Chinese merchants, it served as a sanctuary of worship and charity. The temple eventually found a home on Lorong How Sun. Devotees poured their hearts into creating a magnificent statue of the Laughing Buddha, crafted from sawdust. They also built a pagoda and a pavilion honoring their patron deity, Nan Wu Wu Ji Sheng Mu. The temple grounds held a treasure: a Bodhi tree. One of twelve seeds brought from Sri Lanka in the 19th century, this tree grew to be over 30 meters tall with a girth of 8.5 meters. Considered the oldest and largest Bodhi tree in Singapore, its roots intertwined with the temple’s foundation, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between nature and faith. Jin Long Si Temple served the community, offering free vegetarian meals to the needy and supporting local organizations. Its unique blend of three faiths fostered tolerance and harmony. However, progress demanded change. In 2003, the government acquired the Lorong How Sun land for the Circle Line MRT project. Despite public outcry and petitions to save the temple and its Bodhi tree, the relocation was inevitable. The temple moved to its current location on Tai Seng Avenue. The Bodhi tree, a symbol of enlightenment and resilience, was preserved as a condition of the redevelopment. Jin Long Si Temple stands tall, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community, now at 32 Tai Seng Avenue. It reminds us that even in the face of change, the spirit of compassion and harmony can flourish.