Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Seng Guan Temple, Narra St.
A trip to Divisoria won't miss anybody without noticing this majestic temple which is situated just a few steps away from Tutuban Mall. Forever amazed by its dome and pointed spiral rings as a little child who grew up watching Chinese TV shows every Sunday.
Described as one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the Philippines, the building is crowned by stupas, characteristics of Buddhist temples. Surprisingly, the Seng Guan Temple may appear small from the outside until one marvels at the numerous buddhas of different sizes and spacious halls located on the second floor.
Then later on, I’ve read about Seng Guan Temple from the book Street-Bound: Manila on Foot by Josefina P. Manahan.
My siblings and I were strictly raised through conservative Roman Catholic upbringing and even if I have Chinese decendancy from my paternal grandmother, I never had the chance to experience the authentic Chinese way of growing up lest more learning the Mandarin. I promised to myself then that I have to go back and get inside hoping to see and meet the Divine Buddha and the Great Confucius.
This is my very first time to set my feet inside a Chinese Buddhist Temple. A connecting catwalk constructed on the second floor which serves as the bridge to reach the annex which is an extension across the street.
Proper decorum should always be observed and ask permission from the authority. The security guard on duty was accomodating especially that the taking of pictures are for my personal collection only.
At the entrance, you can see the two lions who were the gatekeepers of the temple. The golden Buddha was amazing.
At the second floor, aside from the big buddha in a larger hall, there is the statue of ou Xin Gong who is the Chinese God of Longevity. He has eight hands. Meanwhile, another statue of him which is an ivory one coloured in off white is located in an inner room which serves as a distribution of foods.
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