The foundations for the shrine, originally called the Sin Jia Geng, were laid 122 years ago, in 1891. Until the renovation, it was a private shrine of the Tan clan, one of Phuket’s largest and richest extended families. Its construction was funded mostly by Tan Kuad, also known as Luang Amnart Nararak.
To mark the completion of the renovations, a range of celebrations are currently underway. The programme is as follows:
- February 20, 7:30pm –Pai Chid Chae (Worshipping Seven Gods and Goddesses);
- February 21, 5pm –Sae Yid Ong Sun Tai Sai (Ong Sun Tai Sai’s Birthday); Ko Gun (Feeding the Soldier Spirits); and Pai Chid Chae (Worshipping Seven Gods and Goddesses);
- February 22, 7:30pm –Pai Chid Chae (Worshipping Seven Gods and Goddesses);
- February 23, 7:30pm –Po Un (a ceremony to drive out bad fortune);
- February 24, 5:30pm –Nguan Xiao Hoy (Chinese Lantern Festival Celebration); and Ko Gun (Feeding the Soldier Spirits);
- February 25, 5pm –Sae Yid Pud Gua Jo Si (Pud Gua Jo Si’s Birthday); Ko Gun (Feeding the Soldier Spirits); and Sang Ti Gong (Farewell to the Spirits).