Some 6,000 Hindu devotees from across Singapore thronged the Sri Muneeswaran Temple in Commonwealth Drive on July 12 for a consecration ceremony that transformed the temple grounds into a vibrant sea of spirituality.
The Sri Muneeswaran Temple has a rich history dating back to 1932 when it started as a small shrine in Queenstown for Malayan railway workers.
After relocating to Commonwealth Drive, the temple underwent several renovations through the years to expand its facilities for the growing congregation of Hindu devotees in the area. It also witnessed two consecration ceremonies.
The third ceremony on July 12 began at 4am with prayers and rituals. The “Gadappurappadu” (procession of priests carrying holy water pots on their heads), wound its way through the temple grounds led by 43 Shivacharyas – priests who chanted Vedic hymns.
As the ceremony reached its climax, the Shivacharyas performed the sacred consecration ritual at exactly 6.45am, their chants filling the air with an otherworldly energy.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, accompanied by his wife Jane Ittogi and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua, graced the occasion as special guests, mingling with the devotees and partaking in the festivities.
Posting on social media after the event, President Tharman said: “Even if you are not a Hindu, the story behind Sri Muneeswaran Temple in Commonwealth Drive is worth knowing.
“Like some of our other places of worship, its roots go back to the ordinary folk, including the most humble workers, who came to our shores a century or more ago.
“Regardless of our faiths, we should know and remember the unique social histories of our places of worship. They are part of our collective heritage as Singaporeans.”
The temple’s chairman, Mr Rathinam Selvarajoo, said the event was a “resounding success thanks to the dedication and hard work of the temple management, volunteers and support of the devotees”.
The organisers ensured a hassle-free worship during the ceremony, with the elderly and the disabled allowed to pray first. Seats were also arranged for the devotees and two large screens were erected outside the temple.
Those in attendance were able to witness the newly painted temple tower, a new Muneeswaran 3D mural over the ceiling made of fibreglass, and newly renovated columns with “Thirukkurals” (sacred philosophies) inscribed on them.
Goodie bags with a bottle of holy water and “kumkumam”, a powder used for religious markings on the forehead, were handed out to the devotees.
Ms Anbarasi, 58, and Ms Yuganeshwari, 29, were a mother-daughter duo who volunteered during the ceremony.
“We needed to make sure that everyone received a goodie bag, and that the crowd didn’t gather at the wrong places,” said Ms Anbarasi.
“Nothing makes us happier and gives us more peace than volunteering at a temple, especially for a ceremony like this one.”
One devotee, who only wanted to be known as Devaraj, said he believes that worshipping on this special day would fulfil his wishes.
“I’ve witnessed two of the last three consecration ceremonies at this temple. Today’s one was beautiful.”
