Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, commonly known as Siong Lim Temple, is a prominent Buddhist monastery located in Toa Payoh, Singapore. Founded in 1898 by the devout Buddhist merchant Low Kim Pong, the monastery's construction began in 1902 and was completed in 1907. It was gazetted as a national monument on October 17, 1980, recognizing its historical and cultural significance as a landmark for early Chinese immigrants in Singapore.

History and Founding

The inspiration for building the monastery came to Low Kim Pong when he was sixty, after experiencing a dream of a golden light rising from the west. This led him to the coast, where he encountered a Hokkien family returning from a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka. Moved by their devotion, Low promised to build a temple for them to spread the Buddhist faith in Singapore. The head of that family, Hsien Hui, subsequently became Siong Lim's first abbot. Funds for the construction were raised by Low Kim Pong and Yeo Poon Seng. Over time, the original site was reduced due to land acquisition for public housing, but the temple remains a significant presence amidst modern residential developments.

Architecture and Restoration

The architectural style of Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is modeled after Xi Chan Si, a temple in Fuzhou, Fujian province, and is an example of the cong lin (layers of forest) style, characterized by a standardized layout and an ordered monastic life. The complex features three main halls arranged along a north-south axis, with a grand main gate (Shan Men) adorned with calligraphy and painted guardians. Notable halls include the Tian Wang Dian (Hall of Celestial Kings) and the Da Xiong Bao Dian (Mahavira Hall), both showcasing intricate designs and carvings. The Dharma Hall at the rear houses a statue of Guanyin and ash urns. The original buildings, constructed by Chinese craftsmen using imported materials, exhibited a blend of Fuzhou, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou architectural styles, with additional Teochew influences in its porcelain mosaic ornamentation.

Due to termite infestations and wear, major restoration works were undertaken in stages, with significant efforts occurring between 1918-1919 and 1950-1954. Following its designation as a national monument, a comprehensive, decade-long restoration project commenced in 1991. This extensive undertaking, completed in 2001 at a cost of approximately S$40 million, involved consulting experts from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and employing skilled artisans from China. The restoration focused on preserving the original architecture while using materials, such as termite-resistant timber from Sarawak and custom roof tiles from Japan, to withstand Singapore's tropical climate. A seven-story gold-topped pagoda, a replica of an ancient Chinese pagoda, is a striking feature of the restored monastery.