 Fu Shan Si 福山寺
 In Yangon, there is a temple Fu Shan Si 福山寺 built by the Anxi, Hokkien Overseas Chinese community in Burma. Unlike the Guanyin temple and Kheng Hock Keong, Fushan Si is not located in the Yangon Chinatown but quite a distance from it.
Origin story
The founding story of the temple tells the experience of one of their members who dreamt of their patron deity. He was instructed to build the temple in quiet place and hence the location of Fu Shan Si. Another version suggested that many Chinese from Anxi were vegetable farmers in the area and hence the location of the temple.
The temple is dedicated to Qingsui Zu Shi, 清水祖师, a monk who lived during the Northern Song dynasty. He was a well known physician and sponsored many social projects especially building of bridges. After his passing away, people continue to pay respects to him and regard him as a patron deity. A side hall is dedicated to the Buddha and Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
Accordingly to the steles in the temple, it was founded in 1875, the 13th year of Qing Emperor Tong Zhi’s reign, and restored several times. In 2008, they initiate a restoration project, many Chinese temples and organization in Yangon appealed to their devotees and members to support it.
A center of Chinese community
Although it is located outside of Yangon Chinatown, Fushan Si is a popular place for celebration of Chinese New Year.
Another major peak season is the birthday of the patron deity. It is also an important place for overseas Chinese visiting Burma especially so for the Hokkiens.
On non festive days, FuShan Si is a serene place to visit. There is a landscaped garden with a lake, pavilions and decorated with sculptures inspired by traditional Chinese legends such as Journey to the West and auspicious animals such as the Kirin.
The caretakers are elderly Hokkien men who are friendly and pleasantly surprised when they discover that their visitors can communicate with them in Hokkien.
Part of the temple ground is converted into a restaurant – the Fushan restaurant.
Fushan Si is located near the Sedona hotel in Yangon.
Related articles:
|
