Purifying a sacred site

Once in about 12 years, Hindu temples are re-energised through a complex process of prayers and rituals.

- Chantal Sajan

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 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 temple's roof or "crown".

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 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 it was established, the temple was popularly referred to as the Orchard Road Sivan Temple. It was rebuilt in 1898 using concrete and arched domes were added.

The temple was damaged during World War II and rebuilt in 1943.

In 1960, local authorities asked for the temple to be set back for the widening of Orchard Road, and the temple had to be pulled down. After its reconstruction in 1964, the temple housed new additions such as a religious hall and staff quarters.

In 1983, the site was acquired by the Government to make way for Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

The temple is under the administration of the Hindu Endowments Board, a statutory body.

In 2008, Sri Sivan Temple went through a second consecration, which attracted more than 15,000 devotees. The third consecration was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is being held in 2025 instead.

During the ritual, priests will pour purifying waters, which cascade down from 22 golden "kalasams" or pinnacles at the peak of the temple structure.