Embark on a journey through the vibrant history of Selangor as you discover the unique charm of the Tho Guan Seng Temple (桃园圣宫) nestled in the serene village of Sungai Way (双溪威新村). Tho Guan Seng Temple @ Sungai Way – this ancient temple is renowned for its mysterious traditional tales and vibrant festivals.
Tho Guan Seng Temple @ Sungai Way: The Enigmatic Guardian Guan Di
The main deity worshipped at Tho Guan Seng Temple @ Sungai Way is Guan Di, the God of Loyalty and Righteousness. In the late 1960s, Sungai Way Village was plagued by frequent fires, causing immense suffering and displacement among its residents. At that time, Tho Guan Seng Temple was a modest wooden structure. In the face of this adversity, the temple’s committee organized a grand prayer ceremony, seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the villagers.
This decision garnered enthusiastic support from the entire community, and together with other temples, the villagers flocked to pay their respects. Since that moment, Sungai Way Village has remained untouched by fires, and this miraculous transformation established Tho Guan Seng Temple as the guardian deity of the village, earning it widespread acclaim. For over six decades, villagers have visited the temple, seeking the blessings of Guan Di, whether in times of career challenges or personal illness.
From Wooden to Cement Brick
Established in the 1950s, Tho Guan Seng Temple was founded by local Chinese pioneers who believed in the need for a temple dedicated to the God of Loyalty and Righteousness. Few of them led the efforts to establish the temple, naming it “桃园圣宫” (Tho Guan Seng Temple) in commemoration of the brotherhood of 刘备 Liu Bei, 关羽 Guan Yu, and 张飞 Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden 桃园结义 during the Three Kingdom Period. Initially, it was a modest wooden temple, but by the 1970s, the temple committee recognized the need for renovation and reconstruction due to its deteriorating condition.
During this period, the committee initiated a fundraising campaign and rallied the villagers’ financial and physical support for the temple’s renovation. Simultaneously, the committee acquired the double-storey shophouses opposite the temple – in which the committees plan to use the rent from these premises to generate income for the temple and providing a place for the villagers to gather and socialize. Today, the ground floor serves as a coffee shop where villagers come to chat and pass the time, while the upper floor functions as a meeting room, hosting the annual general meetings.
Shared Heritage: Tho Guan Seng Temple @ Sungai Way & Old Klang Road Guan Di Temple
Tho Guan Seng Temple shares a close historical connection with the Old Klang Road Guan Di Temple. Both temples house statues that were originally brought from the Guan Di Temple Chinatown. The latter was the first temple established by early Chinese immigrants in Kuala Lumpur and holds a rich history. Every year, during the deity’s birthday celebration at Tho Guan Seng Temple, the statues from both KL Kuan Ti Temple and the old Kuala Lumpur Kuan Ti Temple are brought together to “reunite” and continue the cultural legacy.
Due to its extensive history, Tho Guan Seng Temple @ Sungai Way now houses various deities, including Guan Di (the primary deity), 关平太子 Guan Ping, 周昌将军 Zhou Cang General, 观音娘娘 Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin) and many other – each with its own group of devoted followers.
During religious festivals, Tho Guan Seng Temple arranges various captivating performances. In the 1960s, it featured grand Peking opera shows, while recent years have seen lively entertainment such as song and dance performances take center stage.
One of the most remarkable traditions is the celebration of Lord Guan Ping’s birthday. During this time, the temple’s committee spares no expense in inviting a renowned South Malaysian puppetry troupe to perform an extraordinary three-day show using traditional wayang kulit (shadow puppetry). This special event serves as a token of gratitude to the deity for his blessings. Notably, wayang kulit performances are becoming increasingly rare in modern times, making this cultural treasure a truly unique experience.
Traditional Celebrations: Annual Festivals at Tho Guan Seng Temple
Tho Guan Seng Temple celebrates three major festivals annually: Guan Ping’s birthday on the 13th day of the 5th lunar month, Guan Gong’s birthday on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, and the Zhong Yuan Festival (Yu Lan Jie) in the 7th lunar month. These celebrations are highly anticipated by the entire village, as they involve offering incense, participating in cultural performances, and fostering community bonds.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the temple hosts a grand spring welcoming ceremony, allowing villagers to celebrate together. The ninth day of the Chinese New Year is dedicated to worshiping the Heavenly God for peace and prosperity. These traditions serve as a cultural bridge, passing down beliefs and practices to the next generation. The story of Tho Guan Seng Temple is not just the history of a temple; it’s a village’s memory, a blend of tradition and modernity, and a testament to a community’s resilience and unity.
Tho Guan Seng Temple @ Sungai Way 📅 Plan your visit: Self-driving is recommended, but you can also take the KTM to Seri Setia and walk for approximately 15 minutes to reach the temple. ⏰ Opening Hours: Everyday 7am to 9pm ⏳ Recommended Time: Explore at your own pace. 💰 Entrance: Free 🕰️ Playtime: Approx. 30 minutes 👚 Attire: Casual & comfortable
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