Itinerary
9am -9.30am : Meet at Chinatown MRT Station
9.30am – 11.30am : Visit Thian Hock Keng Temple
11.30am – 1pm : Lunch
1pm – 2.30pm : Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
2.30pm – 4pm : Visit Sultan Mosque / Masjid Sultan
4pm : End of Tour
Description of Areas
1. Thian Hock Keng Temple
It was built by immigrants from China and Malaya since 1839 as a place to give thanks for safe passage across often treacherous seas. One of Singapore’s oldest temples, it has changed through the years, from a small joss house into a popular tourist attraction.
Religion Represented : Buddhism
Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha, supposedly an awakened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering by understanding the true nature of phenomena, thereby escaping the cycle of suffering and rebirth (saṃsāra).
Among the methods various schools of Buddhism apply towards this goal are: ethical conduct and altruistic behaviour, devotional practices, ritual and the invocation of holy beings that help them achieve Nirvana, renunciation of worldly matters, meditation, study and the cultivation of wisdom.
2. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
This temple was built as early as 1855 and newer extensions were added in 1908. Dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of Power and ferocious incarnation of Lord Siva’s wife, this Hindu temple is believed to be the first one of its kind in Singapore to venerate her. Veeramakaliamman means ‘Kali - the Courageous’. During World War II, the temple helped many people in need.
Religion Represented : Hinduism
While Hinduism is a clear practical concept to the majority of believers, many expressed a problem arriving at a definition of the term, mainly because of the wide range of traditions and ideas incorporated or covered by it.
Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to), Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra (The continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices).
3. Sultan Mosque / Masjid Sultan
It is one of the oldest Mosques in Kampong Glam. The first Sultan's Mosque was built about 1824 when North Bridge Road ended at the junction of Arab Street. To erect the present Mosque, North Bridge Road was extended and Jalan Sultan was diverted to provide the space needed for the Mosque. Sultan Hussein Shah, who signed the Treaty handing Singapore over to the East India Company, was given a sum of $3,000 by the Company to build the Mosque. Financial help also came from local Muslims.Religion Represented : Islam
Islam includes many religious practices. Adherents are generally required to observe the Five Pillars of Islam, which are five duties that unite Muslims into a community. In addition to the Five Pillars, Islamic law (sharia) has developed a tradition of rulings that touch on virtually all aspects of life and society. This tradition encompasses everything from practical matters like dietary laws and banking to warfare and welfare.
I think it is good that you included Buddhism, Hindhuism and Islamic religion but maybe you could include Christianity as well? Because Christianity is also another one of the main religions. I like the fact that you introduced each religion in a way such it is easy to understand.Maybe you could elaborate more about how the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple helped people during World War 2?
ReplyDelete~Charmaine
I agree with Charmaine about adding Christianity too. The information provided about the different places of worship is interesting and insightful, and I feel that it is good that different people of different religions can actually come together as one united Singapore, regardless of race, language, or religion, and this indeed plays an important part in Social Defence!
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