SINGAPORE: A 120-year-old Hindu temple in the Republic held its consecration ceremony on Monday morning (Jan 26). It had completed an S$4 million makeover, including renovation work to add a fully-automated kitchen.
About 10,000 devotees and members of the public, including former president S R Nathan and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, attended the ceremony at the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar temple located along Ceylon Road. The ritual is performed once every 12 years, and symbolises the rejuvenation of the temple.
Ministers present at the ceremony said told reporters that the temple - which is recognised as a national monument - reflects the racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
"This is a very historical temple built and maintain by the Ceylonese Tamils, but also open to the entire community,” said Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam. “Not just Hindus, but many others also come here to pray. They believe in it. And it really illustrates the kind of racial harmony we have here."
Said Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin: "Just by taking part and visiting, it helps us also better understand. So for myself, it is my first time here. I have been here a few times at the temple but for the consecration ceremony, this is my first time and it really quite enlightening."
"We are moving very fast as a society but we do need to be anchored to our roots. And our culture, religious heritage is very much part of our history and our make up as Singaporeans as well," Mr Tan added.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/crowds-throng-120-year/1617032.html
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