San Chaopho Suea (Tiger God Shrine), Bangkok曼谷打垒律玄天上帝庙

Type: Overseas Daoist Temples
Location: Thailand · Bangkok · Phra Nakhon District · 468 Tanao Road, Khwaeng San Chaopho Suea, Phra Nakhon (near the Giant Swing, Sao Chingcha)
Coordinates: 13.7539, 100.4971 Map ↗
First built: 1834 · Reign of Rama III, according to the inscription on the shrine's old bell; relocated from its original site when Rama V widened Bamrung Mueang Road
Heritage status: Thai Ancient Monument (โบราณสถาน, declared 1988)

Overview

San Chaopho Suea, popularly known as the "Tiger God Shrine" (Thai: San Chaopho Suea), was founded by Teochew-descended Chinese in 1834, during the reign of Rama III, and is dedicated chiefly to Zhenwu (the Dark Emperor), with Guandi, Mazu (Empress of Heaven), the God of Wealth, and the Great Sage Equal to Heaven enshrined alongside him. This is one of the most clearly confirmed Daoist shrines in Bangkok — its principal deity, Zhenwu, is a Daoist god of the north, distinguishing it from the many local sites organized as Buddhist temples or Chinese benevolent halls (shantang). The shrine originally stood on Bamrung Mueang Road, and was relocated to its present site when Rama V widened the road; the surrounding subdistrict (khwaeng) is named after the shrine. It was designated a Bangkok historic monument (โบราณสถาน) in 1988, and is a stop on the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Nine Temples" pilgrimage route, drawing intense worship during the Lunar New Year and deity-birthday festivals.

Highlights

One of the most clearly confirmed Daoist shrines in Bangkok
Dedicated chiefly to Zhenwu, with Guandi, Mazu, and the Great Sage Equal to Heaven also enshrined
Designated a Thai historic monument in 1988
The surrounding subdistrict is named after the shrine
A stop on the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Nine Temples" route

References