My Prayers and Practices: Sri Muneswarar Peetam and Sze Cheng Keng Temple with Ushananthini d/o Vadivelu and Ong Chye Poh Wilson
Two Gods, One Temple. Join Ushananthini and Wilson on a heart-warming journey where Hindu and Taoist traditions coexist, flourish, and exemplify the true essence of being good neighbours.
About the Programme
- What You'll Do
- Meet Your Host
- Important Details
What You'll Do
After an eight-year search, Sri Muneswarar Peetam, known formerly as Railway Sri Muneswarar Temple at Kampong Bahru, finally found a permanent home in the Taoist temple Sze Cheng Keng Temple in 2018.
Meet Ushananthini and Wilson from Sri Muneswarar Peetam and Sze Cheng Keng who will share the good and the bad as well as the thrills and spills of living the under one roof. Watch the worshippers practise the customary traditions of another religion and find out if they think it is strange to find two different religions operating in the same place.
Meet Your Host
About Ushananthini d/o Vadivelu and Ong Chye Poh Wilson
Usha’s connection with the temple began at a young age, when she felt an overwhelming sense of love and devotion during a special event. Since then, her relationship with the temple has blossomed, where she eventually became the secretary and a regular worshipper. With unwavering commitment, Usha ensures the smooth running of temple activities, collaborating with a small team to plan monthly events and uphold the welfare of the priest and worshippers.
Working hand in hand with Usha is Wilson, the caretaker of the Sze Cheng Keng temple, a Tua Pek Kong temple. Wilson serves as the liaison between the Taoist and Hindu communities, coordinating temple matters and fostering cooperation. Together with Usha, he strives to maintain open communication and avoid scheduling conflicts, as both temples share the same space. Respect and harmony between the two religious traditions are deeply valued, with rituals and celebrations often beginning with reverence to Tua Pek Kong, seeking permission and blessings for a successful event.
About the Temples
Step into the vibrant world of Sri Muneswarar Temple, an 80 year-old temple founded by Malayan Railway workers. Originally located near the Singapore General Hospital, the temple underwent relocation when the railway was returned to the Singapore government. After years of searching for a new home, a fortuitous connection led them to join forces with the Sze Cheng Keng temple, which worships Tua Pek Kong as the main deity. Despite challenges faced during the relocation, the temple community persevered and continues to celebrate their traditions and prayers, ensuring the significance remains intact.
Respecting each other’s practices, the caretakers of the Sze Cheng Keng temple often pay their respects to the Hindu deity, Sri Muneswaran when performing their rituals. Members from the Sri Muneswarar temple also pay their respects to the Tua Pek Kong deity of the Sze Cheng Keng temple at the start of their religious processions. This mutual reverence and collaboration showcase the deep bonds of unity and cooperation that exist between these two unique places of worship.
More Details
What to bring?
- Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own earphones (with a standard 3.5mm audio jack) because we will be using radio guides for the tour!
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration.
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
- Parking is available at the ground level of Sze Cheng Keng Temple.
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Disclaimer
- All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
Time and Duration
Days & Dates
Sunday, 13 August 2023
Ticket Price
(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
Meeting Point
Ending Point
Language(s) / Age Limit(s)
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