Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, also known as “Shuang Lin Temple,” is located in Toa Payoh, Singapore. Established in 1898, it is one of Singapore’s heritage landmarks and the oldest surviving Buddhist architecture in the country. The monastery was built to commemorate the birth and nirvana of the Buddha Sakyamuni. The name “Shuang Lin” symbolizes the “everlasting joy, purity, self, and peace” of Mahayana nirvana, while “Lian Shan” (莲山), meaning “Lotus Mountain,” signifies a distinguished gathering of monastics like a forest, worthy of reverence and admiration.

The monastery was initiated and funded by the wealthy philanthropist Liu Jinbang, who donated his own land. It features a strong traditional Southern Fujian architectural style. Initially built following the Zen monastic layout of ancient temples, it was later restored into a complete Buddhist monastic complex, including a memorial archway, screen wall, crescent pool, mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall, and the Long Guang Pagoda. On the screen wall in front of the temple are seven gilded characters in regular script that read “Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva” (南无观世音菩萨), inscribed by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China.

Particularly eye-catching is the Long Guang Pagoda located in the eastern part of the monastery’s garden area. Standing 29 meters tall, it was modeled after the Sanfeng Temple Pagoda in Changle, Fuzhou, Fujian, China. This octagonal stone structure in the style of a traditional Chinese pavilion not only enhances Singapore’s architectural landscape but also serves as a spiritual symbol for Buddhists.

Siong Lim Temple

Must-visit reason: The oldest surviving Buddhist architecture in Singapore