RADAR BLITAR – Blitar’s Po An Kiong Temple Lunar New Year celebration this year marks a special moment for the local Konghucu community. After a fire in 2021, the temple has been fully restored and reopened, welcoming worshippers for the first Lunar New Year in its revitalized building.

On February 12, the temple was bustling with activity. Workers completed final construction tasks outside, while worshippers prepared for the Imlek (Lunar New Year) ceremonies inside.

Preparations began with a ritual sending the spirits of the temple statues, known as Kim Sin, to the heavens. This week, the community performed the traditional washing or purification of the statues. The ritual symbolizes spiritual cleansing and marks the start of religious activities in the restored temple.

Temple chairperson Pratidina explained that Kim Sin statues are not worshipped directly. “We honor their spirit and the wisdom of their lives, not the physical statues,” she said.

The temple houses 14 Kim Sin statues, including key figures such as Gong Co and Dewi Kwan Im. Each plays a central role in the community’s religious traditions.

Although the temple’s capacity remains similar to the previous building, the new design feels more spacious. The open layout reduces partitions and provides a larger sense of space.

Pratidina expressed hope that more worshippers would attend this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations. During the three-year rebuilding period, ceremonies had to be held in a temporary building on Jalan Mawar, limiting participation.

“This reopening allows the community to worship more comfortably,” she said.

Pratidina emphasized that the restored temple symbolizes more than just a building. It represents the revival of religious activity and community unity.

“The most important thing is our spirit of togetherness and the values we uphold. We hope this Lunar New Year brings peace, unity, and harmony despite differences,” she concluded.