Kwun Yam Temple is located in the Hong Kong district of Hung Hom, or, as it is also called, Hunghom. It was built in 1873, but due to damage it soon ceased to be used for its intended purpose. Before long, the sacred place became surrounded by mystical legends.
In 1909, construction began on a road linking the district with the Kowloon Peninsula. When the workers got down to business, they saw a red liquid gushing from the ground like a fountain. Laboratory tests showed that it was merely groundwater colored a strange shade by an admixture of sulfur and mercury, but public fears remained.
People believed the liquid was blood from the vein of a dragon that had once lived in these parts, and they hurried to appease the disturbed monster and the gods by donating large sums of money for the restoration of the temple.
Kwun Yam is the goddess of sympathy, compassion, and mercy, worshipped by followers of Taoist and Buddhist teachings. It is believed that she responds to all prayers and does not leave those who suffer in trouble.
Local residents believe that the goddess has more than once saved them from deadly threats. For example, during World War II, the Hung Hom district was subjected to heavy air attacks. Almost all the buildings around were destroyed, but the people who had taken shelter in the temple of the heavenly protectress survived the bombings.
