Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih

In 1954, a beacon of compassion arose amidst the battle scars of Pasir Panjang. Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih, the Temple of Thanksgiving, stands as a testament to resilience and hope. Philanthropist Lee Choon Seng envisioned a sanctuary where the lost souls of World War II could find peace. The Battle of Pasir Panjang had left its mark on Chwee Chian Hill. Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih was built to soothe the lingering resentment and offer solace to the departed. The temple was dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, who vowed to save all beings before attaining Buddhahood. Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih welcomed everyone, regardless of ethnicity or faith. It became a haven for those left adrift, including elderly parents abandoned during the Japanese Occupation. The temple’s first abbot, Venerable Sumangalo, held a unique distinction. He was an American Theravadin monk and the first Westerner to lead a Buddhist temple in Singapore. Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih continued to evolve. In 2003, a transformation began. The temple embraced eco-friendly practices, becoming Singapore’s first green temple. Solar panels, wind generators, and a hydroelectric system harnessed renewable energy. Rainwater was collected, purified, and used for irrigation and drinking. The temple also prioritized accessibility for the elderly, a tribute to its founder’s emphasis on filial piety. Gently inclined driveways, easy-to-use faucets, and specially designed bathroom doors ensured convenience and safety. Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih’s expansion also included the construction of a new Main Ksitigarbha Prayer Hall and a Guanyin Meditation Hall. These additions enriched the spiritual offerings of the temple, providing spaces for reflection and prayer. Today, Kew Hua San Poh Ern Shih continues its mission of compassion, offering a place of peace and spiritual growth to all who enter its doors.