Dragons had always had a significant meaning to me. Being born in the Year of the Dragon (1988) is one of those reasons. In East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures, dragons have a more divine and benelovent image compared to their Western counterparts. Asian dragons were bringers of rain, water, good luck, prosperity, power and protection (you name it, dragons can do it!).
So it was no surprise to me that a dragon statue/pillar was standing in front of one of the HDB blocks in Toa Payoh.
Though it has seen better days (the paint is peeling off and it is quite dirty now), the majestic dragon is in itself, a work of art.
The dragon is decorated in a mosaic pattern with jade-green tiles for scales. While the base of the pillar is decorated with blue tiles, probably symbolising water.
The mid section of the pillar is covered in clouds, as the dragon spirals up. I think it was the artist's way of showing that the dragon is "dancing" or "playing" in the sky. This imagery shows how happy the dragon is to help the people around it, helping bring good things into their lives and protecting them from all types of evil.
I can only imagine how grand it looked in its glory days. It is indeed a beautiful piece of art and history.
The Dragon Pillar is located at:
Blk 91 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310091
Directions from Toa Payoh MRT Station via Walk:
Turn left into and go straight on Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
Turn right into Lorong 3 Toa Payoh
The Dragon Pillar will be on your left
*about an 8-10 minute walk
Directions from Toa Payoh MRT Station via Bus:
Walk to Opp Toa Payoh Stn
Take Bus 105 (towards Serangoon Int)
Alight after 2 stops; Jackson Sq
Walk straight on Lorong 4 Toa Payoh
Turn left into Lorong 3 Toa Payoh
The Dragon Pillar will be on your right
*the purple dragon is the location of the Dragon Pillar
Directions from Braddell MRT Station via Walk:
Turn right into and go straight on Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
Turn left into Lorong 3 Toa Payoh
The Dragon Pillar will be on your left
*about a 3-5 minute walk
*the purple dragon is the location of the Dragon Pillar
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