Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered on Thursday to participate in the consecration ceremony at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest temples. Recognized as a national monument by the government in 2014, the temple holds significant importance during the Thaipusam festival. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, a revered deity symbolizing courage, strength, and virtue in Hinduism, the temple serves as the final destination for the traditional Thaipusam pilgrimage. This consecration ceremony, the first since the temple’s designation as Singapore’s 67th National Monument, occurs every 12 years.
The event commenced with morning rituals and blessings conducted by priests, followed by Kumbhabhishekam, where holy water was poured from the temple’s tower while devotees chanted prayers. M. Saminathan, president of the Chettiar Temple Society, expressed that 1,000 volunteers were present to manage the crowd and provide food to the attendees. Notable figures including Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong, and Second Law Minister Joan Pereria were present at the consecration ceremony.
