Chinese&Muslims Help Rebuild Hindu Temple

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Wednesday February 5, 10:17 PM

150-year-old Hindu temple rebuilt with multi-racial contributions

SINGAPORE

The 150-year-old Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple in Ceylon Road will be

officially reopened by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong Friday after its

rebuilding programme.

The temple's history dates back to the 1850s when a statue of Lord

Vinayagar was found on the sandy banks of a stream in the area.

 

The temple also took its name from a "senpaga" or "chempaka" tree

which was reported to have stood here at that time.

 

It has seen many major developments since, and the present temple

rebuilding project is one of the most ambitious in Singapore.

 

"This project is going to create the emotional link between the

various races if possible. Many of the contributions for fund raising

has come from other races as well. A Muslim donated S$117,000 in

cash. A carpark attendant who just passed by looked at the uniqueness

and gave S$200," said R Theyvendran, chairman of the Senpaga

Vinayagar Temple building committee.

 

But that is not the only non-Indian link.

 

The rebuilt temple was designed by Chinese architects working closely

with Indian designers and craftsmen.

 

Special features include a 21-metre high gateway, carvings of the 32

forms of Lord Vinayagar and gold-cladding for the roof of the main

shrine.

 

Rebuilding work began in 2000, and under phase one, work on the main

temple building was completed.

 

Under phase two, a two-storey building was added.

 

And the third and final phase, to be ready in 18 months, will see a

10-metre high granite statue of Lord Vinayagar with a fountain, domes

with gold leaf, and a musical pillar added.

 

More than 5000 guests and devotees are expected Friday to witness the

temple's consecration ceremony.

 

The consecration ritual is a must every 12 years for a Hindu temple,

or following renovation or rebuilding work.

 

On the same day, the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar temple will also be marked

as a historic site by the National Heritage Board.