Dragons guard its every corner. Here at Tha Rua Shrine, we are standing before a vibrant testament to Phuket’s Chinese heritage. This is one of the island’s oldest Chinese shrines. It stands proudly in the Thalang District, a short distance south of the Heroines’ Monument.
Tha Rua Shrine is more than just a pretty building. It is a living, breathing center of faith. For over a century, locals have come here to connect with the divine. Its history is interwoven with stories of healing and community.
Legend says that over a hundred years ago, a Thalang resident had a statue of Po Sein, the “saviour god”. The man fell ill. A visiting monk, acting as a spirit medium for Po Sein, healed him through ancient techniques.
Word spread like wildfire. Soon, many sought the monk’s healing touch. A wealthy man, cured of his ailment, offered a generous donation. He wanted to honor Po Sein. This act of gratitude led to the construction of a small shrine. Over time, with growing support, it expanded.
Tha Rua Shrine is an important place for local worshippers. They pray for recovery from sickness here. They believe that its resident deity Po Sein has healing powers.
Look around you. The shrine is ornate. It features bright colors of red, gold, and green. See the writhing dragon sculptures adorning the roofs and columns. Notice the giant Taoist god statue. Murals depict vivid scenes.
In 2000, the airport road expanded. It took some of the shrine’s land. Donations helped purchase more land behind the temple. The shrine underwent extensive renovations. Sculptures of Confucius arrived from Nanjing, China. The eye-catching Taoist god statue was added. It has a fierce red face. It wears a golden and green uniform. It holds a golden sword.
Tha Rua Shrine is usually quiet. But during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, it bursts into life. Thousands of devotees gather. They hold ceremonies. They eat vegetarian food for nine days.
The Tha Rua Shrine is a lively place. You can hear firecrackers. You can see white-clad worshippers. The ceremonies honor the festival’s warrior gods. Dozens of “ma song,” or spirit mediums, participate. They perform extreme acts. Fire-walking and cheek-piercing are part of the purifying rituals.
Tha Rua Shrine began hosting Vegetarian Festival activities in the late 1960s. Devotees followed traditions from the Kathu Shrine, dating back to the 1820s. It was a way to promote good health and happiness.
Visiting Tha Rua Shrine is free. It’s open daily. Remember to dress modestly as a sign of respect. Remove your shoes before entering the buildings. If visiting during the Vegetarian Festival, wear white clothing. Donations are welcome.
Tha Rua Shrine may be north of Phuket Town. But it is worth visiting. It is a place to admire its colourful buildings and statues. It is also a place to connect with Phuket’s cultural heart.