From the outside, it’s just a small temple with an elaborately colorful roof that you might glance at, but probably wouldn’t bother to check out.
The Tai Sia Huk Chou Shrine, or Sun Wukomg Shrine is in Chinatown, and it’s one of the many Chinatown shrines where people go to pray for good luck and prosperity. This is also one of the smallest shrines in Chinatown. However, it makes up for its size with a vibrant and colorful interior.
Th Sun Wukong Shrine
The shrine is in a small shophouse that’s about the size of a hotel room. It’s thought that the shrine is at least 300 years old.
The Sun Wukong Shrine honors the mythical Monkey King, who is one of the most popular characters in the 16th century Chinese novel Journey to the West. The Monkey King is also worshipped as a Taoist deity.
The traditional Chinese name of the Monkey King is Sun Wukong, and in this shrine, there are various sculptures of the Monkey King. And although Sun Wukong, is the Monkey King, he was born out of a stone and has miraculous powers. However, he’s a mythological character so powerful that he claimed to be equal to heaven.
A large table in the center of the shrine features an altar for offerings. At the head of the table are three smaller sculptures behind which there’s a large Sun Wukong wielding a staff. Also, at the back of the room are glass cases displaying images of the Monkey King in the form of Buddha.
You’ll find on each side of the shrine’s front doorway there are murals depicting the most well-known Monkey King stories from Chinese mythology. The mural on the left side of the doorway tells of the time when the Monkey King went against the Heavenly Court and the gods in the court planned to send the army to destroy the primate kingdom.
The mural on the right side narrates the story of the White Bone Demoness who tried to sow discord so that the Tripitaka and his two other disciples would sever ties with Monkey King.
While visiting, you’ll find small details like the legendary golden staff, the supreme weapon favored by Sun Wukong. The staff has the ability to shrink and grow. The staff, before it was “borrowed” by the Monkey King, was known as the needle that calmed the East Sea
Praying At the Sun Wukong Shrine
Worshippers pray to the Monkey King for help, success, and good luck. Incense sticks are lit just outside of the shrine where worshippers start their ritual prayers. They then make offerings of oranges, bananas, rice, and orange garlands. You’ll also find banknotes given as an offering.
You’ll also see people write messages and names on red strips of paper. These red strips of paper are wishes of good fortune for themselves and family members. As a visitor, you can do the same, but you should also make an offering to the Monkey King.
The Sun Wukong Shrine is busy during Chinese festivals, namely the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Vegetarian Festival.
The Monkey King’s birthday is on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month, which is a day after the Mid-Autumn Festival. There’s a big celebration on this day.
If you’re exploring Chinatown, the Sun Wukong Shrine is on Rama IV Road. It’s just a stone’s throw from the much more prominent Wat Traimit. Although small, this is an interesting shrine and it’s the only one in the area honoring the Monkey King. If you have temples and shrines on your itinerary, add this brief stop to your schedule.
