Leongnam Dian

Legend has it that Leongnam Dian began as a humble altar. It was dedicated to Guandi, the God of War, in Geylang Serai in 1954. Leongnam Dian, also known as Long Nan Dian, eventually blossomed into a full-fledged temple. It thrived in Geylang Serai until 2006. Then its lease expired. The Singapore Land Authority offered Leongnam Dian a shared plot of land. This was with Ubin Thai Temple in the east. In 2011, Leongnam Dian found a new home on Jalan Kayu. It shares a unified temple building with three other temples. These are Ubin Thai Temple, Bao Gong Temple, and Zhong Yi Temple. This arrangement is set for thirty years. Leongnam Dian is also a focal point for the Nine Emperor Gods festival. The temple’s preparations are extensive. They start a month before the festival. Sedan chairs, often made in Taiwan, are meticulously inspected and repaired. A festival tent rises outside the temple. It houses the main altar and a dining area. A float, designed after Zheng He’s ship, is constructed for processions. The kitchen bustles with activity as food stalls are set up. An opera stage is erected, often featuring local troupes. Neon lights adorn the trees along Jalan Kayu and Sengkang West Avenue. A sturdy bamboo pole is chosen. This will hold the Nine Lamps. These lamps symbolize the presence of the Nine Emperor Gods. The bamboo, revered for its virtue in Taoism, is carefully selected. Leongnam Dian’s Nine Emperor Gods festival is a vibrant display of tradition and devotion. It continues to draw devotees to Jalan Kayu.