Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen - Chinese Temples Committee

This Tin Hau Temple was founded by some Aberdeen fishermen in 1851. Most Tin Hau temples are located on slopes along coastlines. The Aberdeen Tin Hau Temple is no exception. However, with reclamation which took place over the years, the temple is now away from the coast and surrounded by bustling streets.

Origin of the Temple

Since Aberdeen was originally a fishing centre, local fishermen built this temple to pray for protection from Tin Hau.

Tin Hau

Tin Hau (天后) who is also called Matsu (Mother-Ancestor) was a native of Fujian Province. She met a Taoist priest at the age of 13 who taught her how to predict the future and help those who were sick and weak. It was said that she travelled about the sea on a mattress made of reed to save the people who were being drowned. People therefore looked upon her as the goddess for safety on the sea.

Architectural Setting

Apart from the main hall, there are side halls on both sides. One is the management office while the other is the Hall of Tai Sui (Sixty Gods of Time). The temple roof is supported by three pairs of golden pillars.

Historical & Cultural objects

The temple has preserved many historical relics of the Qing Dynasty.

Other Deities

Apart from the main deity of Tin Hau, the temple also houses Choi Pak Sing Kwan (a God of Wealth), Kwun Yam (Goddess of Mercy), Wong Tai Sin and Wah Tor (a God of Medicine).

Tin Hau Festival

Tin Hau Festival falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.

Other related Festival

There are four festivals in the lunar year in honour of Kwun Yum. They fall on the 19th day of the second, sixth, ninth and eleventh lunar months and these days correspond respectively to her birth, ordination, deification and assumption as a sea-goddess.

Major Renovations

The temple had undergone renovations in 1873 and 2001.