Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple, Singapore

The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is a significant Buddhist temple and monastery situated in Bishan, Singapore. Constructed by Zhuan Dao during the early 20th century with the primary objectives of promoting Buddhism and offering accommodation to monks, this monastery holds the distinction of being the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore. Furthermore, it serves as the governing body for the Buddhist College of Singapore, established in 2006.

Between 1920 and 1921, the Phor Kark See Monastery was erected on a parcel of land in Thomson Road, generously donated by a Chinese businessman named Tay Woo Seng. Notably, it was the first traditional Chinese monastery ever constructed in Singapore. Due to its location on Kong Meng San, referred to as "Bright Hill," the monastery became known as "Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery." Initially, the temple consisted of a two-story building, a shrine room, a visitor's area, and living quarters. However, it underwent steady expansion over time.

The monastery grounds encompass various structures, including stupas, prayer halls, a crematorium, and a columbarium with over 200,000 niches. Additionally, there are bell and drum towers, and an outdoor statue of Avalokitesvara stands between the Dharma Hall and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. The Hong Choon Memorial Hall within the temple complex was completed in 2004.

The monastery boasts a sacred Bodhi Tree, linked to the one in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which originated from the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Additionally, it houses one of Asia's largest bronze Buddha statues, standing at 13.8 meters tall and weighing 55 tons in the Hall of No Form.