Ornate temple
The Sri Mariamman Temple in South Bridge Road is reputed to be the oldest Hindu place of worship in Singapore.
“THAIPUSAM this year will be different as the Jan 31 date coincides with the total lunar eclipse taking place that night,” a middle aged female devotee informs her companion. Standing within earshot, I continue to listen intently to the conversation between the two saree-clad women.
After a while, it becomes obvious to me that Hindus consider the impending lunar eclipse as inauspicious because Earth’s exact position between the sun and the moon prevents the energy nourishing moonlight from reaching Earth.
As a result of this “unprecedented stellar event”, Hindu temples throughout Singapore, including the Sri Mariamman Temple in South Bridge Road, will shutter once darkness sets in that evening.
Taking into account this year’s shortened Thaipusam procession time, devotees will start walking from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road and arrive at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road earlier compared to those in the past.
According to the banner on the temple wall, all kavadi and paal kumdam (milk pot) bearers have to start their journey latest by 1pm and must reach their destination by 6.30pm.
This year, it is estimated that some 10,000 devotees will be carrying milk pots while the kavadi bearer numbers will be about 600-strong.
Thaipusam is an annual celebration honouring Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan, who represents virtue, youth and power, and is the destroyer of evil. The roof of the vimanam is decorated with various sculptures. A temple priest ringing the bell during service.
This annual event usually attracts about 50,000 to 60,000 people, including thousands of tourists, who stand by the road pavements to observe the festival as it proceeds along its four-kilometre long route.
SUCCESS STORY
I take leave of the duo and begin my walkabout of the temple, reputed to be the oldest Hindu place of worship in Singapore.
Strategically located right in the middle of the downtown Chinatown district, this agamic temple built in the Dravidian style