Also known as Di Zang Wang, Ksitigarbha is often considered the bodhisattva of hell beings because of his vow to attain buddhahood only after all hells have been emptied. It is believed that Ksitigarbha offers advice to the souls on how to earn spiritual merit, as well as to limit the suffering they have to endure in the torture chambers of the Hell Courts. In his bid to educate the public about Chinese culture, Aw Boon Haw built a theme park housing statues and sculpture that portrayed the themes of Chinese legend, such as scenes from the Hell Courts. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, Haw Par Villa was built along Pasir Panjang Road in 1937.
