The Evolution of Changi Sree Ramar Temple
THE MAKINGS OF A TEMPLE
The history of the temple can be traced back to a shrine that was situated at a foot of a tree at its present site. It began as a place of worship for inhabitants in the nearby village.
The temple began to take shape with the efforts of Mr Ram Naidu, from the British Indian Army. He secured the present site of the temple from the British at the end of the Second World War. He also started building the temple. Over time, the people living in the surrounding areas came to participate in the daily prayers and activities at the Temple.
EARLY CHALLENGES
The Loyang Avenue Redevelopment Project almost forced the temple to relocate at one point in time. But the steady resolve of the temple’s supporters and with the assistance of Mr Teo Chong Tee, then Member of Parliament for Changi, the temple won its fight to keep its premises.
GIANT STRIDES
In the early 1990s, a pro-term committee was formed and a proposed constitution for the temple was drafted.
26th January 1993 marked another significant milestone in the temple’s history as it was officially registered as a Society with the Registrar of Societies. Subsequently the first management committee was formed to take over the affairs of the temple under the leadership of Mr N.K. Sundarajoo.
SREE RAMAR TEMPLE TODAY
The Sree Ramar Temple has seen a steady increase in its congregation due to the establishment of public housing estates in Tampines, Pasir Ris, Simei and the East Coast. To serve the increasing Hindu community, the management committee organises a several annual religious activities such as the Ramar Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Navarathiri festival, Thiruvilakku pooja, and Chandi homams.
It also caters to the social and educational needs of the devotees by organising activities for families and children.
MOVING FORWARD
To serve the local community better, the temple recently underwent sculptural, repainting and general renovation work.
The temple also caters to the non-Hindu devotees. Statues of Lord Buddha and Quan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) have been set up for non-Hindu devotees who frequent the temple. We are confident that the Changi Sree Ramar Temple will continue to serve the spiritual needs of Singaporeans living in the eastern part of Singapore.
UNIQUE LAYOUT
The structure and layout of the temple received unanimous acclaim when three experts in Temple Science and Architecture from Madurai of South India. They praised the temple, pointing out that, the temple is facing east, overlooking the sea which is the most important determinants in the ‘vasthu shastra’ of a temple.
AMALGAMTION
The unique aspect of this temple lies in its amaglation of three Hindu temples namely,
Sri Manmatha Karunaya Eswarar Temple, which was located at 249 Cantonment Road.
Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple, which was located at the former Singapore Turf Club.
Sri Palani Aandavar Shrine, which was located at Kranji sea.
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