SINGAPORE – Once in about 12 years, Hindu temples are re-energised through a complex process of prayers and rituals.
For Sri Sivan Temple, this will happen on June 8 from 8.15 to 9.15am. Tens of thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the open ground in front of the temple in Geylang East Avenue 2 to be blessed with the sacred sight, or “darshan”, of the ritual ablution of the temple structure that is believed to empower its deities.
Called a Maha Kumbhabishegam (“grand consecration” in ancient Sanskrit), it refers to the process of pouring sanctified water from vessels on the roof or “crown” of the temple.
These vessels, called kumbhams, are filled with holy water and have been energised through chanting over seven consecutive days of sacred Sanskrit mantras.
The temple at its current 3,000 sq m site was first consecrated in 1993 when it was a newly built structure, after moving from a temporary place of worship in Serangoon Road, next to Srinivasa Perumal Temple.
Sri Sivan Temple has a long history in Singapore, dating back to 1868, when the British government granted a parcel of land in Orchard Road for a Hindu temple.
When it was established, the temple was a simple structure and popularly referred to as the Orchard Road Sivan Temple. It was rebuilt in 1898 using concrete and arched domes were added.
The temple was partly damaged during World War II and rebuilt in 1943.
A worker cleaning the doors to the sanctum sanctorum, where Sri Viswanathar, the main deity’s image or “murti”, is enshrined and worshipped.ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
In 1960, local authorities asked for the temple to be set back by several metres for the widening of Orchard Road, and the temple had to be pulled down and rebuilt. After its reconstruction in 1964,...