Shrine of the Serene Light

Sarn Jao Saengtam (Dteng Gong Dtong) ศาลเจ้าแสงธรรม (เต่งก่งต๋อง)

Hidden down an alley between two buildings opposite the Thai Farmers bank in Tanon Phang Nga, this temple really is worth a visit even though restoration work is in process. Probably my favourite temple in all of Phuket!

Originally built in 1884(1891?) by Tanyokkaud Tandavesa and members of the immigrant Chinese Tan Jae family, who came to work in the tin mining industry in Phuket, the Shrine stood derelict for several years after a building had been constructed blocking the entrance. In 1995 one of the gods entered a spirit medium and told the people to restore the temple. Fortunately during the restoration the original artwork was not destroyed and can still be viewed. Within the shrine it is possible to see the original murals and the original doorway. The entrance archway is exhibited in the courtyard, and is a piece of history hard to be found in Phuket. In 1998 the shrine was awarded for it's excellent restoration work. The following pictures were taken in September 2011 and updates will be added as links at the bottom of this post.

ภาษาไทย

Thanks to  http://www.somboon.info/wizContent.asp?wizConID=229&txtmMenu_ID=7

An interesting VDO in Thai with English subtitles can be seen on Youtube  

Part of the original archway that has now been replaced

The ancient dragons watch over the new construction work

The original entrance archway

The new archway

The Eternal Flame

 

The Gods are paid respect with offerings of fresh fruit and moon-cakes. 
(The Moon Festival had taken place a few days earlier).

        The original door seen alongside the new door

 Details from the outer entrance pillars

The original wall paintings and carvings are really quite splendid.

Entrance Details

Dragon detail 

Thanks to Phuket Coconut Paradise Villas for providing the photo.

The way the Gods look out and see our human world!

July 2012 - Update on renovation works.

See also Night Visit to the Shrine of the Serene Light

The entrance as seen from inside at night.