“Gao Sng”— ever heard of it? Here at Qi Tian Gong, this temple was known for curing it. Qi Tian Gong is more than just a temple. It embodies faith and healing.
Welcome to the Tiong Bahru Monkey God Temple. It is also known as Qi Tian Gong. This Taoist temple is special. It’s likely the first in Singapore dedicated to Sun Wukong. Sun Wukong is the Monkey King from “Journey to the West”.
Let’s step back in time. Qi Tian Gong started in 1920. It was a simple attap hut in a taro garden. By 1938, it moved to a rented shophouse on Eng Hoon Street. In 1985, the temple bought the shophouse. A renovation in the early 1990s helped maintain its traditional charm. By 1993, it was recognized as a public and charitable institution.
Inside Qi Tian Gong, you will find over ten statues of the Monkey God. Some statues are almost a century old. Devotees seek blessings for protection. They also seek prosperity and business success. People come from all over the world to worship here.
The Monkey God is almighty. He is resourceful, brave, and vigorous. He can identify truth and falsehood. He helps the poor and needy. The Monkey God claimed the title Qitian Dasheng. This means “Great Sage, equal of Heaven”.
In the past, parents brought children here. These children had “Gao Sng”. “Gao Sng” is a condition where children stop growing. They exhibit monkey-like behaviors. Doctors couldn’t identify the cause back then. Mediums used talismans and divination blocks. They also used unconventional remedies. The severity was assessed by nodes under the armpits. Milder cases were treated with talismans. Severe cases needed the Monkey God’s direct guidance.
Children had to come every third, sixth, and ninth day of the lunar month. The process lasted up to 49 days. They had to stay indoors. They avoided bright lights and specific occasions. Unique remedies included chicken excrement. This dispelled the “monkey spirit”. Successfully treated children became godchildren of the Monkey God. They received his protection.
The temple’s founding medium was Goh Kim Choon. He passed away in 1961. His son, Goh Geok Swan, continued the legacy. He received guidance from the Monkey God.
Each year, devotees celebrate with festivities. They walk around Tiong Bahru with Monkey King idols. Joss paper is burned. A snake-headed whip purifies the burning area. Until 2018, the temple had a medium. The Monkey God possessed this medium.
Today, Qi Tian Gong remains a beacon of spiritual guidance. It serves generations of devotees. Visiting feels like stepping into history. You will find devotion and a commitment to healing here. Faith transcends boundaries here. The temple’s journey continues to inspire and connect hearts.