Since its beginning in 1920 in a Tiong Bahru taro garden, the Qi Tian Gong temple has evolved from a simple attap hut to a cherished spiritual sanctuary by 1938. The dedication of the Temple Management Committee, formed in 1979, played a crucial role in preserving this cultural heritage, leading to a significant renovation in the early ‘90s. This revitalisation maintained the Temple’s traditional charm while updating its facilities, earning it recognition as a public and charitable institution by 1993.
At the Temple’s spiritual life’s core is the veneration of the Monkey God, Sun Wu Kong, a figure celebrated for his valor and wisdom in the classic “Journey to the West”. The Monkey God, who is almighty, resourceful, mercurial, brave and vigorous, able to identify true and false and help the poor and needy, is deeply respected and loved by people of many generations. The temple is distinguished by hosting over ten statues of the Monkey God, attracting followers seeking his blessings for protection, prosperity, and business success.
Today, the Qi Tian Gong Temple is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and faith, drawing devotees from across the globe. Its journey from modest beginnings to a beacon of spiritual guidance continues to inspire and connect hearts.
To propagate the Taoist Doctrine and help devotees uncover their innate goodness through Qi Tian Da Sheng’s benevolence, bravery and resourcefulness.
To propagate the Taoist Doctrine and help devotees uncover their innate goodness through Qi Tian Da Sheng’s benevolence, bravery and resourcefulness.
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Goh Boon Siong | President |
| Seow Seng Hwee | Honorary Secretary |
| Ho Kah Hock | Honorary Treasurer |
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Mr Ho Kah Hock | Vice-President |
| Mr Seow Seng Hwee | Honorary Secretary |
| Mr Goh Boon Siong | President |
| Mr Tan Kee Tiok Donald | Vice-President |
| Mr Goh Boon Leong | Honorary Assistant Secretary |
| Mr Ho Boon Hong Eugene | Honorary Assistant Treasurer |
| Mr Soh Yiow Chong | Officer-in-charge Temple Affairs |
| Mr Quah Lip Sing | Asst Office-in-Charge Temple Affairs |
| Mr Seow Seng Hwee | Honorary Secretary |
| Mr Goh Boon Leong | Honorary Assistant Secretary |
| Mr Quah Lip Hua | Honorary Treasurer |
| Ms Ong Shaw Fen Karen | Committee Member |
| Mr Goh Boon Huat | Committee Member |
| Mr Koo Yew Keong | Committee Member |
| Mr Tan Kay Mong | Committee Member |
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of the temple’s history lies in its unique healing practices. In times past, parents would bring their children afflicted with “Gao Sng” – a condition where young ones would stop growing and exhibit monkey-like behaviours- seeking the temple’s intervention. Known as Gao Sng in Hokkien, it was a phenomenon mainly occurring in young children, probably from the age of 6 months, when they seemed to stop growing and would crouch like monkeys. At that time, doctors could not identify the cause of the problem.
Guided by the Monkey God, the mediums employed a specialised treatment involving talismans, divination blocks, and unconventional remedies. The severity was assessed by the number of nodes under the armpits- milder cases with three or fewer were treated with the Monkey God’s talisman and an approval process using divination blocks. Severe cases required the Monkey Gods’ direct guidance on curability.
A vital aspect of the treatment was that the child had to come for it every 3rd, 6th, and 9th day of the lunar month. The process, lasting up to 49 days, also involved keeping the child indoors, avoiding bright lights and specific occasions, and using unique remedies like chicken excrement to dispel the “monkey spirit”. Successfully treated children became godchildren of the Monkey God and offered protection under his guidance, symbolising the profound faith in the temple’s healing powers.
The temple’s legacy endured after its founding medium, Goh Kim Choon, was passed on the 18th of the 8th lunar month in 1961. The night before his peaceful death, his reddened face during celebrations led members to believe he may not have received approval to extend his life.
With the Monkey God’s permission, Goh’s funeral wake at the temple drew around 1,000 attendees, including many “god-sons” he had cured of “gao-sng”. After a 100-day mourning period and Ah Tor temporarily taking over, Goh’s son, Goh Geok Swan, consulted the Monkey God, receiving guidance to continue the legacy despite initially considering giving up the temple. Supported by his mother and devoted followers, the spiritual sanctuary persevered.
Overcoming challenges and navigating the ever-changing landscape of Tiong Bahru, the temple has remained a beacon of spiritual guidance, serving generations of devotees, some becoming influential leaders. Visiting feels like stepping into a rich tapestry of history, devotion and a profound commitment to healing and community service- where the extraordinary intertwines with the ordinary, and faith transcends boundaries.
