Question: What if five temples united as one?
Here we stand before Yishun Town Combined Temple. This is no ordinary place of worship. It is a unique blend of five distinct temples. These temples are Chin Kong Religion Fook Poon Tong, Hong San See, Kew Ong Yah, Hwa Poh Siang Tng, and Kwang Tee Temple. Together, they form the Yishun Town Combined Temple.
Yishun Town Combined Temple offers a serene environment. It is a tranquil space for visitors and devotees. People come here to pray chant and meditate. They seek inner peace within these walls.
The architecture of Yishun Town Combined Temple is magnificent. Tiled roofs adorn the structures. Ornate Chinese dragons embellish the design. A miniature pagoda adds to the beauty. The entrance arches welcome all. The temple warmly encourages prayers from everyone. People from around the world come to visit.
Originally Kew Ong Yah Hong San See temple was located along Old Upper Thomson road. It was in Jia Zhui Gang a village named after a nearby river. Later it moved to its current location, and became part of the Chong Pang Combined Temple which is now known as the Yishun Town Combined Temple.
Many deities reside within the Yishun Town Combined Temple. The Jade Emperor is here. So are the Nine Emperor Gods. Guangze Zun Wang, Goddess of Mercy, and Tua Pek Kong are also honored.
The temple celebrates the Nine Emperor Gods Festival every September. This celebration lasts for nine days. It is packed with events and activities. Both the religious organization and the community participate. Devotees come from all over Singapore.
Preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance. Volunteers work hard setting up. They fold joss papers and pack goodie bags. They also select bamboo for the Nine Lanterns.
Every year, the Yishun Town Combined Temple orders a new Dragon Boat. Alvin Lim and his father hand-make the boat. It takes them about a week with help from their children and colleagues. The Dragon Boat is a symbol of the festival. Devotees donate money to have their names added to it.
The Nine Emperor Gods are received at Sembawang Beach. The congregation sets off from Yishun. They include temple staff and devotees. Performance troupes also join. Taoist priests conduct rituals at the beach. An urn is dipped into the sea to collect water. It is then brought back to the Yishun Town Combined Temple.
During the festival, different temples visit each other. They pay their respects. Both host and guest temples appoint a vanguard. This vanguard carries a whip and five flags. They clear the way before the urn is brought in.
The Yishun Town Combined Temple is a place of community. It has been a site of prayer for generations. Parents bring their children to pay respects. Volunteers from all walks of life help with the festival.
Performances and activities engage the community. There are dance and musical performances. Free traditional Chinese medicine consultations are also offered.
The temple organizes a vegan dinner for elderly residents. Performances are put on by various groups. This event is graced by a Member of Parliament.
On the final day, the Nine Emperor Gods are sent off. This ritual takes place at Sembawang Beach. The Dragon Boat is pushed into the sea and set ablaze. The urn is dipped into the sea.
The Yishun Town Combined Temple showcases unity. Five temples became one. It is a testament to faith community and tradition. Its rich history and vibrant festivals make it a special place in Yishun. It offers peace, blessings and community.