Fodor's Expert Review Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

Bras Basah and Bugis Temple

The dusty, incense-filled interior of this popular temple has altars heaped with hundreds of small statues of gods from the Chinese pantheon. Of the hundreds of deities, Kwan Im, more often known as Kuan Yin, is perhaps most dear to the hearts of Buddhist Singaporeans. Legend has it that just as she was about to enter Nirvana, she heard a plaintive cry from Earth. Filled with compassion, she gave up her place in paradise to devote herself to alleviating the pain of those on Earth. Her name means "to see and hear all." People in search of advice come to the Kwan Im temple, shake cham si (bamboo fortune sticks), and wait for an answer. The gods are most receptive on days of a new or full moon.

Temple

Quick Facts

178 Waterloo St.
Singapore, Singapore  187964, Singapore

www.facebook.com/kwanimthonghoodchotemple

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