- Address: Jalan Simongan No.129, Bongsari, Semarang Barat, Bongsari, Semarang Bar., Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50148, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 24 7605277
- Official website: sampookong.co.id
Sam Pu Kong is a Chinese temple in Central Java , Indonesia . It was founded in the 15th century. Today it is a temple complex, which is divided into several religious confessions, including Muslims and Buddhists. Sam Pu Pu Con - the center of cultural and religious life of the city of Semarang. This is a kind of bridge between the Javanese and the Chinese, who are descendants of Chinese sailors and have long considered themselves to be the native inhabitants of Java.
History of the temple
At the beginning of the XV century the Chinese researcher Zheng Haem visited the island of Java and stopped in Semarang. He began to carry out active activities: he taught local residents to cultivate the land and grow a rich harvest. The scientist professed Islam, therefore daily prayers were an integral part of his life. For this he found a secluded place - a cave in a rocky hill. A few years later, Zheng He decided to build a temple there. He was often visited by sailors, Chinese, who came to the island together with the researcher and who managed to acquire families, and the Javanese who adopted Islam.
In 1704, a landslide occurred, and the temple was destroyed. Sam Pu Kong was very important for the population, and the Muslims in 20 years were able to restore it. In the middle of the XIX century, the temple became owned by the landlord, who demanded that believers pay money for the right to pray in it. This went on for a long time, until the Islamists moved to the temple of Tai-Ka-Si, which is 5 km away. They took with them a statue of He, which was created two hundred years ago.
The Javanese returned to the temple only in 1879, when a local businessman bought Sam Pu Kong and made it free to visit. In honor of this event, the faithful held a carnival, which became a tradition that has survived to this day.
Architecture
The temple was restored more than six times, the most significant works were carried out in the middle of the last century. Then in Sam Pu Kong came electricity. But because of political events for the next 50 years, the temple was not financed at all, so by the beginning of the 2000s it was in poor condition. In 2002, the last and most significant reconstruction took place, during which Sam Pu Pu Con was almost doubled in size, and each side became longer by 18 meters.
The temple was built in a mixed Sino-Javanese architectural style. On the island there are several ethnic groups, whose descendants went to pray at Sam Pu Kong and worshiped the statue of Zheng Hei. Despite the difference of religions, the church was still the main sacred place in Central Java. In order to maintain tolerance between Buddhists, Jews and Muslims, other temples were built on the territory of Sam Pu Kong. So the oldest church in Java has turned into a whole complex consisting of five buildings, located on 3.2 hectares of land:
- Sam Pu Kong. The oldest temple, the building of which is built in front of the cave, and its main elements - directly in the cave itself: the altar, the statue of Zheng He, all the paraphernalia. Also near the altar is a well, which is never empty, and the water from it is able to heal any ailment.
- Tho Ti Kong. Located in the northern part of the complex. It is visited by those who seek the blessings of the earthly god Tu Di-Gun.
- Kyaw Juru Moody. This is the burial place of Wang Jing Hun, deputy researcher Zheng He. It is believed that he was a talented economist, so people come to him who are looking for success in business.
- Kyi Jangkara. This temple is dedicated to the crew members of Zheng He who perished during the expedition to Java. They are revered, and often people come here who want to see or bow to the weapons of Zheng He.
- Mba Khai Tumpeng. This is a prayer place where parishioners ask for well-being.
Carnival in Semarang
Each lunar year, that is, every 34 years, on June 30, Indonesians with Chinese roots hold a carnival, which is primarily dedicated to the statues of Zheng He and his assistants Lau In and Tio Ke. People express their gratitude for their deeds, and most importantly for the foundation of the temple. All actions of participants are aimed at showing respect to researchers. Anyone can participate or watch the carnival in Semarang.
Visit to Sam Pu Pu Cong
Entrance to the complex is open around the clock, the cost of admission is $ 2.25. Sam Pu Kong Temple is open from 6:00 to 23:00. Visiting the temple requires adhering to traditional rules in the form of clothing and behavior. Before entering the temple, take off your shoes, so as not to offend the feelings of believers.
How to get there?
Sam Pu Kong Temple is 3 km from Simogan Road and a 20-minute walk from the city center. Public transport there does not go, you can get there on foot or by taxi.