Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An

Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An

The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall was built circa 1690 as a Buddhist thatched pagoda known as Kim Son.

The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall was built circa 1690 as a Buddhist thatched pagoda known as Kim Son. In the 18th century, it was transformed into a traditional assembly hall for the Chinese Fujian community to get together and celebrate festivals. A Jinshang Golden Mountain temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau who protects sailors was added later. It is noted for its striking architecture that combines traditional Chinese style with Hoi An elements. Its ornate green-tiled gate and courtyard with fountains lead to the main hall which has a statue of Avalokitesvara sitting in mediation in a glass enclosure. The incense altar in front is flanked by statues of Thien Ly Nhan and Thuong Phong Nhi. The rear of the main hall has the statue of Thien Hau, along with a model of a sailing boat from 1875 which represents the journey of the Fujian to Hoi An. The hall also is has several other statues, incense burners, bronze bells and drums, along with lacquered plaques engraved with Chinese characters.

The back sanctuary has statues of 3 kings of the Ming Dynasty and the 6 Fujian family heads who fought for the restoration of the dynasty against the Qings. The sanctuary has an altar dedicated to the 3 Sanh Thai goddesses of fertility (Kim Hoa Nuong Nuong, Sanh Thai Nhi Chua, Sanh Thai Thap Nhi Tien Nuong) and 12 midwives who are believed to teach newborns basic skills such as smiling. Childless couples visit this shrine to leave offerings and pray for children. There is also an altar dedicated to the God of Wealth where people pray for prosperity.

Also of note is the ornate mosaic fountain with a fish sculpture that symbolizes achievement, along with dragons, unicorns, phoenix, and turtles that symbolize power, knowledge, nobility and endurance respectively.