Man Mo Temple is an exquisite temple located in the city of Hong Kong. Built in 1847, the temple served as a place for worship and a place for locals to solve disagreements. Created in honor of the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), Man Mo Temple is still a very important symbol of Imperial Chinese culture.
Background
Man Mo Temple was constructed during a time of British rule in China. The godly tribute is located on Hollywood Road and is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. The figure dedicated to the God of Literature is beautifully dressed in an emerald green robe and equipped with a writing brush in his hand. The God of War is adorned in red with a sword carefully placed in his hand. There are other important statues that can be found throughout the temple, especially ones that play an intricate role in the religious communities of Hong Kong.
Although Hong Kong was once under British rule, it is said that the Man Mo Temple served as a place for the residents to solve problems that did not fall under British law during the early 1900’s. The peaceful process used the system designed during the Qing Dynasty. This system allowed both parties to write down a curse and a punishment for the other on yellow paper. This paper was presented to the gods and considered binding. It was believed that if either party went back on their word they would suffer the consequence written on the paper. Many of the locals preferred to follow this form of justice over the British rules and regulations.
Today
The Man Mo Temple has seen many renovations. In 2009, it was upgraded to a Grade I historic building and is noted as a Declared Monument in Hong Kong. Although visitors to the temple no longer solve disputes here, it still serves as a center of religious healing for many that still believe in its power.
