Are you looking for a serene and spiritual escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore? Do you want to explore the rich and diverse culture and history of Buddhism in Southeast Asia? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, also known as the Bright Hill Temple. This is the largest and most impressive Buddhist temple in Singapore, and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this magnificent monastery, from its origin and development, to its attractions and activities, to its practical information and tips. Whether you are a devout Buddhist, a curious traveller, or a nature lover, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at this temple. Read on to discover why you should add the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery to your Singapore itinerary.
History
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery was founded in 1920 by a Chinese monk named Venerable Zhuan Dao. He wanted to create a place where Buddhist teachings could be spread and preserved in Singapore, which was then a British colony. He bought a piece of land on a hill in Bishan, and built a simple temple with a hall and a shrine. He named it Phor Kark See, which means “Universal Wisdom” in Hokkien.
Over the years, the temple grew and expanded, thanks to the donations and efforts of the Buddhist community and the public. It became a monastery in 1939, and adopted the name Kong Meng San, which means “Bright Hill” in Mandarin. The monastery also attracted many eminent monks and masters, who contributed to its development and reputation. Some of the notable figures include Venerable Hong Choon, who was the abbot for 50 years and oversaw the construction of many buildings and statues, and Venerable Kwang Sheng, who is the current abbot and the founder of the Buddhist College of Singapore.
Today, the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery covers an area of 75,470 square meters, and has more than 10 halls, pagodas, statues, and gardens. It is the largest and most comprehensive Buddhist temple in Singapore, and a center of learning and practice for thousands of devotees and visitors. It also hosts various cultural and religious events and activities throughout the year, such as Vesak Day, Ullambana Festival, and Dharma talks.
Attractions
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is a treasure trove of Buddhist art and architecture, and a feast for the eyes and the soul. There are many attractions to explore and admire, each with its own unique features and meanings. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
Dharma Hall:
This is the main hall of the monastery, where the Buddha’s relics are enshrined and worshipped. The hall is also used for ceremonies, rituals, and meditation. The hall is decorated with exquisite paintings, sculptures, and lanterns, and has a majestic and solemn atmosphere.
Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas:
This is a nine-story pagoda that houses 10,000 miniature Buddha statues, as well as the ashes of the deceased. The pagoda is a symbol of the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, and a reminder of the impermanence of life. The pagoda also offers a panoramic view of the monastery and the surrounding area from the top floor.
Hall of No Form:
This is a circular hall that contains a giant bronze bell, weighing 12 tons and measuring 4.5 meters in height. The bell is rung every day at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm, and emits a deep and resonant sound that can be heard for miles. The bell is a symbol of the emptiness of all phenomena, and a call to awaken from ignorance and delusion.
Hall of Great Strength:
This is a hall that showcases the largest bronze statue of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, in Southeast Asia. The statue is 13.8 meters tall, and has 18 arms, each holding a different object. The statue is a symbol of the infinite compassion and skillful means of the bodhisattva, who vows to save all sentient beings from suffering.
Hall of Great Compassion:
This is a hall that displays the largest wooden statue of Amitabha, the Buddha of infinite light and life, in Southeast Asia. The statue is 13.8 meters tall, and has a serene and radiant expression. The statue is a symbol of the pure land of Amitabha, where anyone who recites his name can be reborn and attain enlightenment.
Hall of Universal Brightness:
This is a hall that houses the largest indoor statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, in the world. The statue is 15.3 meters tall, and has a smiling and cheerful face. The statue is a symbol of the joy and happiness that Maitreya will bring to the world when he appears as the next Buddha.
Gardens:
The monastery also has several gardens that offer a tranquil and scenic retreat from the urban noise and stress. The gardens feature various plants, flowers, ponds, bridges, and pavilions, creating a harmonious and natural environment. Some of the gardens are the Bodhi Garden, the Lotus Garden, the Bamboo Garden, and the Meditation Garden.
Timings
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, the opening hours of the individual halls may vary, depending on the day and the season. Here are the general timings of the main halls:
Dharma Hall: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Hall of No Form: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Hall of Great Strength: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Hall of Great Compassion: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Hall of Universal Brightness: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
The monastery also celebrates various special occasions and festivals throughout the year, such as Vesak Day, Ullambana Festival, Chinese New Year, and Mid-Autumn Festival. During these times, the monastery may have extended hours, special ceremonies, and festive decorations. You can check the monastery’s website or social media for the latest updates and schedules.
Location
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is located at 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117. The monastery is situated on a hill in Bishan, a residential area in the central region of Singapore. The monastery is surrounded by other landmarks and attractions, such as the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, the Bishan Public Library, the Bishan Stadium, and the Bishan Junction 8 Shopping Mall.
How to Reach
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is easily accessible by public transport and by car. Here are some of the options that you can choose from:
By MRT:
The nearest MRT station to the monastery is Bishan MRT Station, which is on the North-South Line and the Circle Line. From the station, you can take bus number 410W or 410G from the bus interchange, and alight at the bus stop opposite the monastery. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes, and costs $0.77 for adults, $0.38 for senior citizens, and $0.31 for students.
By Bus:
There are several bus services that pass by the monastery, such as 52, 54, 74, 165, and 852. You can alight at the bus stop in front of the monastery, or the bus stop opposite the monastery, depending on the direction of your travel. The bus fare varies depending on the distance, but is usually between $0.77 and $1.66 for adults, $0.38 and $0.83 for senior citizens, and $0.31 and $0.66 for students.
By Car:
If you are driving to the monastery, you can take the Central Expressway (CTE) and exit at Bishan Road. Then, follow the signs to Bright Hill Road, where the monastery is located. The monastery has a car park that can accommodate about 300 vehicles, but it may be full during peak hours or festive seasons. The parking fee is $0.02 per minute, or $1.20 per hour.
Tips
To make the most of your visit to the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, here are some tips and advice that you should keep in mind:
1. Dress appropriately and modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or any clothing that exposes your shoulders, knees, or chest. You may also be required to remove your shoes before entering some of the halls, so wear comfortable and easy-to-remove footwear.
2. Respect the rules and etiquette of the monastery. Do not touch, climb, or take photos of the Buddha statues or the relics. Do not talk loudly, play music, or use your phone in the halls. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the monastery premises. Dispose of your trash properly and keep the place clean and tidy.
3. Be mindful and respectful of the monks, nuns, and devotees. Do not disturb them or interrupt their prayers, chants, or meditation. You can greet them with a smile and a bow, but do not touch them or expect them to engage in conversation with you.
4. Learn and appreciate the Buddhist culture and teachings. The monastery has many signs, posters, and brochures that explain the meaning and significance of the various halls, statues, and rituals. You can also visit the Buddhist Library, which has a collection of books, audio-visual materials, and artifacts on Buddhism. You can also join the guided tours that are offered on weekends and public holidays, or the Dharma classes that are offered on weekdays and evenings.
5. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the monastery. The monastery is a place of refuge and relaxation, where you can escape from the stress and noise of the city. You can stroll around the gardens, admire the architecture, listen to the bell, or simply sit and meditate. You can also join the mass meditation sessions that are held every Sunday morning, or the chanting sessions that are held every evening.
6. Donate and support the monastery. The monastery relies on the generosity and kindness of the public to maintain and operate its facilities and services. You can make a donation at the donation boxes that are located at various places in the monastery, or at the reception counter near the main gate. You can also volunteer your time and skills to help with the cleaning, gardening, or other tasks. You can also buy some souvenirs, such as books, CDs, or beads, at the monastery shop.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and useful guide to the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, and inspired you to visit this amazing temple. This is a place where you can experience the beauty and wisdom of Buddhism, and enrich your mind and soul. Whether you are looking for a spiritual journey, a cultural adventure, or a natural getaway, you will find it at this monastery.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan and book your trip to the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery today, and discover the wonders of this hidden gem in Singapore.
