Remember Chinese New Year. The Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine is particularly busy then. This Taoist shrine stands on Songwat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown. It is dedicated to Pun Tao Kong. He is the god of the nearby Sampeng Market.
The Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine is within the Peiing School compound. This is a street full of old shophouses. The shrine dates back to King Rama III’s reign. Chinese immigrants from the Teochew community built it.
The Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine has been renovated. The last time was in 2007. It honored King Rama IX’s 80th birthday. The entrance is a stunning red arched gate. It features classic Chinese design. Two green dragons chase a flaming pearl on the roof.
The shrine’s front wall displays lovely murals. They depict mythological figures. You can see ducks. You can also see the god of longevity. Cranes and bamboo are present. Lions, elephants, and unicorns are also shown. Butterflies and lotus flowers add color. These are meaningful symbols to Taoists.
Look up to see colorful ceramic warriors. A large yellow dragon sits atop the roof. They defend the Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine from evil forces. Golden Fu Dogs guard the doorway. One protects the exterior. The other guards the interior. Everything creates positive energy here.
The inner doors have paintings of Muengsing. He is the gatekeeper god. He is another temple guardian. Just inside, to the left, is a shrine to Pun Tao Kong. People believe worshipping him brings good health. They believe it brings business success. They light candles and burn incense. They also make donations to the Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine.
Two small ponds sit on either side of the shrine. They feature mosaics of a tiger and a green dragon. Again, they act as temple guardians. At the back of the Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine, there are three altars. The middle altar is for Tua Laoia Kong.
He is the chief god of the Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine. There are two statues of him. He has a long black beard. He holds a sword. One foot rests on a turtle. The other is on a snake. A shrine to Tua Pun Tao Kong is on the right. Jui Hoksing’s shrine is on the left. Statues of other deities join him, including Guan Yin.
Tua Pun Tao Kong’s image wears a warrior costume. Warriors stand on either side. Pun Tao Kong watches over people in the Sampeng area. You will often find him in Chinese market areas. The Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine is one of Chinatown’s most colorful shrines. It is architecturally attractive.
The shrine also hosts several events. The Celebration of Tua Lao Ia Gong takes place on the 3rd day of a new moon of the 3rd month. The Ting Krajard Festival is on the 6th day of a new moon of the 7th month. The birthday of Pun Tao Kong occurs on the 15th day of a new moon of the 8th month. The Annual Celebration happens on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of a new moon of the 11th month. This includes a Chinese play performance. It truly is a special place to see.