Goh Chor Tua Peh Kong Temple

Goh Chor Tua Peh Kong Temple

This temple was named Goh Chor as it is the Hokkien transliteration of Rochore which is the name of the surrounding area in the mid 19th century, while Tua Pek Kong is a Taoist deity widely worshiped by Chinese across Southeast Asia.

Built in the southern Chinese style, the low, tiled roof features dragons, birds, fish, blazing pearls, phoenixes and flowers which are all oriental in nature and show case the skilled workman ship of the locals as each are carefully handcrafted.

Three Stone plaques record the history of the temple from the Chinese Emporer Dao guang's reign all the way till the subsequent renovations in 1920 and 1928.

A look inside the temple:

Chinese Opera:

An interesting preservation of a dying art form is also seen here in the form of Chinese opera.This free standing Chinese opera or Wayang stage was one of two surviving stages that was built in 1906 by Tan Boon Liat. Teochew and Hokkien operas are still performed here during important festivals.

As I saw this stage, it brought up many memories of when I was young and my grandparents would take me out during certain festivals to watch such performances and I remembered how I would always refuse to leave in anticipation of more. With time , such simple joys in life seemingly disappear and the appreciation of such a culture would slowly but surely cease to exist.This is a place we would surely visit again during our holidays as such places remind us that life is not just about doing well in your studies but also about enjoying the process leading up towards it too.