Seng Guan Temple, Manila

Located on Narra Street and serving as the center of worship for the Buddhists, is the Mahayana styled Seng Guan Buddhist Temple. This three-floor temple crowned with beautiful golden stupas is also known as “Temple of Thousand Buddhas”. The second floor of the temple is famous for the carved murals that depict different scenes from Buddha’s life and the three silk-mache gold Buddhas. It also has special rooms for chanting sutras and prayers. There is also a congregation hall (generally closed to public) with a 10 foot Buddha statue.

A phenomenal aspect of this temple is that the interiors are so spacious that make the exteriors look smaller. The facade has well detailed intricate carvings which pique the interest of the visitors. Devotees are welcome to place their offerings and light incense in the large bronze incense burner placed at the altar of Kuan Yin, a Bodhisattva regarded with respect by East Asian Buddhists and associated with compassion. Another Bodhisattva that can be seen in this temple is Avalokitesvara, who is believed to have made a vow to listen to all prayers and assist all beings in the world in achieving nirvana. During the Catholic Holy Week, the Buddhist monks from Taiwan gather in this temple. The history of the temple shows it was damaged due to a fire in the 70s but today bears no markings of the damage.