SINGAPORE, February 13, 2023 (The Meghalayan): After a year-long restoration, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple in Chinatown with close to 200 years of history opened its doors to the public with its sixth consecration ceremony. Braving the early morning rain, about 20,000 devotees thronged Sri Mariamman Temple to witness the ceremony, also known as Maha Kumbabishegam, which occurs every 12 years. Amid reverberation of religious chants, Hindu priests climbed the Raja Gopuram, or grand entrance tower of the temple, and the six vimanams, or temple towers, to perform the sanctification rituals, news agencies reported.

“This is part of living in multicultural Singapore, where the whole community comes together to celebrate each other’s cultural and religious milestones,” Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a Facebook post. The restoration at the cost of US$ 2.6 million involved 12 specialist sculptors and seven metal and wood artisans from India. They worked on the sanctums, domes and ceiling frescoes, retaining the temple’s original color and structure. The ceremony will be followed by Mandalabishegam — 48 days of religious rituals and cultural programs.

https://themeghalayan.com/20k-people-mark-consecration-of-singapores-oldest-hindu-temple/

See also:
https://eng.bharattimes.co.in/amid-heavy-rain-over-20000-devotees-participate-in-grand-ceremony-at-singapores-oldest-hindu-temple/

Post Views: 929