Ma Zu (Ma Cho Po) is widely worshipped as a goddess of the sea. Her original name was Lin Mo.
According to historical records, Ma Zu was born on the 23rd day of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar in 960 A.D (Song Dynasty). As she did not cry at all during her first month, she was named Mo , meaning, "keeping silent".Lin Mo was very intelligent from young and was blessed with a photographic memory. At ten, she became a Buddhist and devoted the rest of her life, to helping others.
She had a gift of healing and not only treated the sick but taught the people how to prevent epidemics as well. Her agreeable nature and warm heartedness won her the love and respect of the villagers.
Lin Mo grew up in Meizhou Island off Putian in Fu Jian. Being by the sea, Putian was a busy port of call for fishing boats and trading junks. The weather was not always kind to the sailors and the poorly built ships were often in great danger because of the storms. Whenever disasters occured, Lin Mo would join in the rescue teams organised by the villagers.
She was also referred to as the goddess and dragon girl because of her ability to forecast changes in the weather. Sailors would seek her advice before going out to sea.
In 987 A.D., this humane and helpful lady died at a young age of 27 years old. It is said that a colourful rainbow was seen on Meizhou Island that day and the villagers heard beautiful music in the air.
After this, many sailors and fishermen claimed that Lin Mo, always dressed in red, would save the lives of those in danger. As a result, sea-farers started the practice of praying to images of Ma Zu for safe journeys.
Tian Fu Gong (Thian Hock Keng Temple) in Telok Ayer Street is dedicated to Ma Zu. The temple was a popular place of worship for the Chinese community as they came to give thanks for their safe arrival in Singapore while the sailors came to pray for safe journeys on their next trip.
