If you have a long-standing wish that's yet to come true, perhaps
the place to visit is the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple where,
provided you make an earnest plea to the gods, "every wish can come
true" - or so it is said.
But even if you don't get your wish and win a million in the
lottery, this temple complex in the heart of urban Kowloon is still
well worth a visit.
Covering 18,000 square metres and located in a tranquil natural
setting remote from the nearby housing estates and the bustle of
their streets, the temple is, apart from being an important
religious centre, a scenic attraction full of beautifully
ornamented traditional buildings.
It commemorates the famous monk of yore Wong Tai Sin (also known
as Huang Chu-ping), who was born around AD 328 and became a deity
at Heng Shan (Red Pine Hill) in his later life.
In 1915, a Taoist priest, Liang Ren-an, brought a sacred
portrait of Wong Tai Sin from Guangdong in Southern China to Hong
Kong. It was only fitting therefore that this magnificent temple be
built and dedicated to this honoured divinity revered down the ages
for his benevolence.
In perpetuation of such an unselfish philosophy, the temple
preaches three traditional religions - Taoism, Buddhism and
Confucianism.
The major feature is the Main Altar where the portrait of Wong
Tai Sin is hung. Here believers go to pray for divine guidance and
good fortune. Another place of great significance is the Three
Saints Hall, where the deities Lu Zu, Guan Yin and Guan Di are
worshipped.
Other important fixtures include the Bronze Pavilion (females
excluded), the Archives Hall, the Earthly Fountain, the Yue Hing
Shrine where the Buddha of the Lighted Lamp is worshipped, the
Unicorn (Confucian) Hall where Confucius is worshipped, and the
extravagantly colourful Good Wish Garden that is lavishly decorated
with many exotic examples of Chinoiserie. There is a small entrance
fee to these areas, which are open from 9am to 4pm daily, apart
from Monday. Other areas of the temple are open daily from 7am to
5:30pm.
How to get there:
Wong Tai Sin MTR Exit B2 or B3.
(discoverhongkong.com)
