Fight to rename temple after Gurkhas

The Hindu Temple of Queen's Hill should be renamed "Gurkha Temple" as history shows no Indian soldiers guarded the Grade III historic building in Fan Ling in the past, says an architect.

Amid a lack of information of the temple's history, volunteer conservationists collected data and compiled the first comprehensive conservation report for the hexagonal building.

They first discovered from early building plans that the six triangular stone structures on the ground, which form an integral part of the temple building, used to be pools filled with water.

They believe that the temple's unique three-pointed octagonal design was inspired by the lotus flower, said Caspar Yam Ming-ho, a conservation architect.

According to fairy tale, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, used to be a large lake. One day many gods appeared along with a lotus in the lake, marking the beginning of Kathmandu's development.

Yam said some Gurkhas - Nepalese mercenaries - are stationed in Hong Kong and many of them are aware of this classic tale, which corresponds with the lotus design of the ancient temple.

"Since the temple was used by Gurkhas, it is natural to use some legends or myths related to Nepal to build it. Although this is speculation, we think it is reasonable and reflects the lack of Indian elements in the temple," Yam said.

Yam said there is only a general description saying the temple is related to Gurkha history, while the name used in official documents and even the plaque outside the temple is "Hindu Temple." But he said the conservationists' report said history showed that Indian soldiers were never stationed there.

He said it was necessary to amend the name because although soldiers of the former army camp near the temple believe in Hinduism, the people who actually used the temple were all Gurkha soldiers from Nepal.

Yam said if they continue to use the name "Hindu Temple," it may cause unnecessary misunderstanding, and using "Gurkha Temple" also pays respect to the history of the garrison. The Antiquities and Monuments Office is reported to be considering changing the name to better reflect the history of the garrison.

Yam also suggested that the government make good use of the historic building and not allow it to be abandoned for a long time as the Queen's Hill Public Housing complex was gradually taken over and brought closer to residential areas.

He also noticed four empty barracks near the temple. Since their utility ratio is not high, Yam said, he proposed that the two groups of historic buildings be incorporated into the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme and operated by the same nonprofit organization to preserve their historic atmosphere.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com

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