Temple #1: Yueh Hai Ching

Today was a stressful day. I had anticipated being able to obtain my Indian visa here from the High Commission of India. Unfortunately, as of Sept. 10, 2007 they have changed some rules and no longer process Visas for anyone who is not a citizen or resident here. Not sure what to do as flight is already booked for 17th of December to Delhi. Fortunately, I was able to go to the Vietnamese Embassy today and get my visa withing an hour! The remainder of the afternoon was spent visiting two old temples while Yung worked (like normal people).

Yueh Hai Ching Temple:
Conditions were sub-optimal today for photography as it was 100% overcast and drizzling. Nevertheless, I made an attempt to visit two well-known temples in the heart of Central District, the financial center and downtown area of Singapore. Yueh Hai Ching means Temple of the Calm Seas. This is the oldest Daoist temple in Singapore and was originally built in 1850-1855 catering to the maritime Teochew (Chiaozhou) ethnic Chinese community. The temple was built as a shrine to Ma-zu - literally Mother-Ancestor - the Daoist goddess of the sea and protector of sailors. It actually consist of two temples adjacent, with the other dedicated to the Heavenly Emperor.

The temple itself is rather small, but rather stunning in it's start location amidst a jungle of skyscrapers. Unfortunately, interior photography is prohibited here so only a couple of external shots to share.


Taken from the fore-courtyard of the complex. Paper offerings are being burned in one of the cauldrons. Note intricate roof-work and spiral incense hung up.


A beautiful carved stone relief of protector tigers in one of the side halls.