KHENG HOCK KEONG TEMPLE
Kheng Hock Keong, A Brief History
In 1861, 11th year of the reign of Qing Emperor Xianfeng, the Hokkien community in Rangoon (today’s Yangon) founded the Kheng Hock Keong. Members of the Hokkien community as well as Chinese Shipping companies in Rangoon contributed funds for the Mazu temple construction located in the Yangon Chinatown. Located on the corner of Sint-oh-dann Street and Strand Road in Latha Township, Yangon (Rangoon), Burma (Myanmar), Kheng Hock Keong is the largest and oldest Chinese Buddhist and Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese goddess Mazu in Yangon. It was originally built as a wooden temple in 1861 and completed in 1863. A new brick building was completed in 1903, costing over 153,000 rupees. Today, Kheng Hock Keong Temple is one of the very popular tourist spots in Rangoon.
Dedication & Worshiping
The temple was dedicated to Mazu, the Sea goddess and the temple name Kheng Hock Keong (Temple in celebration of prosperity / fortune) was chosen in appreciation to Mazu for her blessings during their sea voyages as well as for their prosperity and fortune in Burma. The Hokkien community’s clan association, The Fukienese Association is also located in the temple.
The Layout
The front court of the Kheng Hock Keong has an air well with corridors surrounding it leading to the main hall where the main deities are enshrined in altars. Mazu, the main deity is enshrined in the central altar. To her left is Guan Gong and to her right is Bao Sheng Da Di, the God of medicine. This layout was similar to an earlier Mazu temple, Thian Hock Keng, built by the Singapore Hokkien Chinese in 1840. During subsequent restorations, a Guan Yin sculpture was added to the main shrine just behind Mazu.
Celebrations
Kheng Hock Keong is the main site of celebration for major festivals such as Chinese New Year, Mid Autumn, as well as religious events such as birthday celebration of various deities. These events attract large crowds who arrive to participate in celebrations or to give their thanks. Throughout the year, the temple courtyard is a popular place for senior citizen to chat or to indulge in a game of chess with their friends.
Contribution to the Community
As a temple and a clan association, the Kheng Hock Keong continues with its historical mission to serve the community. They have established a free clinic near the temple and have a social welfare program for elderly citizens. Not forgetting the younger generation, the temple has also establish free mandarin classes for young Chinese Burmese.
Kheng Hock Keng also supports Burmese social endeavors such as contributing funds for the construction of Burmese temples. An example is their financial support for the construction of Sule Pagoda, a Burmese Theravada Monastery complex, where the hair relic of the Buddha is enshrined.
These activities reflected the spirit of earlier generations when they founded Kheng Hock Keong. While they rejoice in their blessings and good fortune, they have not forgotten to share that blessing with the larger society. The various projects today reflect that spirit of contributing back to society.
150th Year Anniversary
2011, with the celebration of Quan Yin’s birthday, Kheng Hock Keong Temple celebrated its 150th Anniversary celebration. 3 days celebration from 11-11-11 to 13-11-11 calls for all the religious Chinese throughout Yangon. People assemble and paid homages on this special occasion.
Sources: Wikipedia, Chinatownology.
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It is auspicious birthday of Quan Yin, even the blue sky pay homage to her! These high-rise table setting is the way Chinese people pay homage to Tian Gong (the God of Sky) on any kind of occasion…
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In Chinese traditions & customs, Red is Auspiciousness. Our people prefer red candles in such occasions…
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Some prayers are very particular. They have different kinds of prayer accessories to be used in such particular occasion…
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Kheng Hock Keong Temple has one of the strongest trustee funds in Rangoon. All the yellowish structure seeing here are not paints, but pure gold plates donated by pilgrims…
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Similar to other Mazu temples, Mazu, the main deity, is enshrined in the central altar…
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On the left alter is Guan Gong, the God of war…
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Quan Gong images are in different kinds… Depending on the personality, worshipers and believers can choose among the different mood of the God. And this statues reflects my favorite mood of Bravery & Conquer!!!
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On the right alter to Mazu is Bao Sheng Da Di, the God of medicine… Chinese people always pray to Bao Sheng Da Di before any major operations…
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Whether weekend or weekday, sunny or rainy day, the temple is always crowded with pilgrims…
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Bokeh test with Nikon 80-200mm f4, an old lens I succeeded from one of my Mum’s friend…
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The statue of the Guardian spirit at the entrance of the temple…
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The central door of the Temple Entrance!!!
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