The Man Mo Temple was built in 1848 during the beginning stage of the British rule. It is situated in the cross area between Hollywood Road and Law Tei Kwai (Ladder Street) and is one of the most ancient temples in Hong Kong.
Inside, two images are worshipped, God of Literature who holds brush (pen) in hand and God of Martial Valour who wears green gown with long sword in hand. Delicate wood sculpture of god images and incense burner made of white solder make visitors feel the atmosphere of crowded worshippers praying in the temple in those years.
In the middle hall there hangs big incense in pagoda shape which denotes praying for happiness. It is said that during the period of the Qing Dynasty, only the oath taking ceremony of cutting the chicken head and burning yellow paper performed here was recognized by the British Hong Kong Government. Because in the early stage, the local Chinese were not accustomed to the religious oath taking ceremony, then the court adopted the traditional Chinese oath taking form to fulfill the task.
