CHE KUNG
TEMPLE
‧SHA TIN‧
The story behind
Reveal the background and origin of the temple.
BACKGROUND
Che Kung Temple consists of two temples, a new temple and an old temple. To protect the old Che Kung Temple, the Chinese Temples Committee proposed to build larger new temple in front of the old temple in 1994, and was conducted renovation works during 2008 to 2012.
It helps in handling the huge number of worshippers during Lunar New Year. According to the report from the Chinese Temples Committee, there are serval thousand of worshippers flock to the temple on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year. In the January in the Lunar calendar, there is total half million of worshippers visiting Che Kung Temple.
The renovation enhanced the special heritage of Che Kung Temple, Apart from renewal of the roof and tiles, Siling and auspicious patterns were added on the wall of temple. Yuen Chen Hall and Fuk Luk Palace are the new additions inside the new temple. More importantly, the sculpture of Che Kung was also optimised.
Origin
The oldest history was found in 1890, when was the year of rebuilding and being recorded on stele. In turn, it is at least 120 year-old. Nowadays, the old temple is forbidden to get closer or get inside.
Che Kung was a military commander in Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), also know as Che Da Yuan Shuai and General Che. His date of born and dead are unknown. He was a great and brave warrior who was loyal to and honoured by the emperor, because suppressing the rebellion existed in Southern China. He is treated as a patron saint by the people.
There are two sayings about the origin of Che Kung Temple, mostly people prefer the second –
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The Fengshui at the location is excellent, so the people raised fund for building a Che Kung Temple. Because they believe that Che Kung can protect them and auspicious in both finance and health ways.
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There was huge pestilence killing lots of people in New Territories. The villagers found in books that pestilence would gone in every places Che Kung passed. They invited the Che Kung from Che Kung Temple at Sai Kung Ho Chung to parade around, Pestilence gone. To express thankfulness, they build Che Kung Temple.
MAJOR EVENTS
Four major events are held at Che-Kung Temple annually. People usually worship Che Kung with burning incense on these dates. Beside, they draw divination for ascertaining their future; turn the wheel of fortune; and drum for good luck in the upcoming year. The dates below are counted as Lunar canlender:
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2nd of January *
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27th of March
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6th of June
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16th of August
* To avoid 2nd of January a.k.a "Chec-Hau 赤口"
"Chec-Hau" means easy to argue with people when is the day avoiding visit
Worshippers choose to visit temple on 3rd of January instead
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Che-Kung Temple is located in Sha Tin District, which is convenient to go. It is close to Tai Wai and Che Kung Temple MTR station – only ten-minute waling distance from MTR station. Map is shown below. Worshippers usually take MTR to here that avoid from heavy traffic flow or even congestion.