Supreme Paradise Pai-fong (Main Gate)
Mar 3, 2021, 17:16 PM
Title :
Supreme Paradise Pai-fong (Main Gate)
Building key :
supreme-paradise-pai-fong
The Shanmen (mountain gate) is also known as the Main Gate. Sik Sik Yuen’s Shanmen was built out of red granite in 1977 with a four-column and three gate layout. With four pillars to hold up the sky and auspicious lions crouching at the entrance, the gates are decorated with two plaques that titled with the words “Supreme Paradise” and “Sik Sik Yuen.” A pair of stone lions were originally placed in front of the Main Gate. In 2010, these lions were replaced with a pair of new bronze qilins that were made to resemble the qilins at the Forbidden City. In Taoist architecture, the three gate symbolizes transcendence from the three realms and entry to the lands of the gods and a place of tranquility.
History of
Wong Tai Sin Temple
In April 1942, guidance from Master Wong Tai Sin was received through divine writing. These Taoist priests were directed to erect a new temple in the area of Chuk Yuen in Kowloon City. The writings from the Master indicated “This place, a symbol of the wings of phoenix, is blessed and it is the most appropriate place to set up a temple to propagate religious doctrines.” They then inserted a bamboo stick on the ground as a sign and thus set up the main altar. At the beginning, the Main Altar, Confucian Hall, General Office, dormitory, main gate and the wells were built in the temple. The other buildings were constructed continually in the coming years. Its Taoist architecture reflects nothing less than the significance and teachings of Taoism. The buildings contain the five elements in Chinese Fengshui culture, where Bronze Pavilion represents “Metal”, Scripture Hall represents “Wood”, Yuk Yik Fountain represents “Water”, Yue Heung Pavilion represents “Fire” and Earth Wall represents “Earth”.