Arulmigu Velmurugan Gnanamuneeswarar Temple — Attraction in Singapore

Beautiful and peaceful neighbourhood temple.I recently moved near this neighbourhood so wanted to visit a temple near me. Of course , favouritism is everywhere where people prefer to entertain their own race, caste and ethnic group. Hello ! This ain’t India ! I use to think Indians are Indians except in India but events in this Temple proved me wrong. I always believed regardless of being North Indian,tamil,telugu or Malayalis we should be proud and embrace Hinduism. Oh wells. Went over on 3/9/23 for Shridi Sai Baba prayers , happened to be observing something. There was a Vinayagar prayer in the main temple done by a family and followed an annathaanam by the same family. However the lady who did the prayers was only calling and serving food for her own people and refusing to serve people who were Q-ing up. She refused to give certain food to the public and kept calling her own people to come get the food. How disgusting. Then u jolly well pray at home and have dinner with ur own people. Why come to the temple. In Hinduism Annadanam brings many benefits: It attracts divine blessings. It helps remove past karma. It gives one satisfaction. The blessings of those who receive your Annadanam will bring positivity to your life. It pleases your ancestors and helps them gain Moksha. Really digusted with the behaviour of some who doesn’t understand what’s the meaning of culture and tradition. I come from a family where on May Day we give food to labourers in temple for all their hard work. Born and bred in Singapore we don’t see any differences when anyone comes to the temple. Just taken aback. You can see clearly in the photo the two of them rushing to finish the food. And the lady in green calling her family and friends to cut the Q to eat. She even kept some of the food for them . Then let the public know it’s a private family event. The public are not beggars. As for the Sai baba inauguration prayers , definitely poorly organised. Temple could have done way better. I been to Potong Pasir , Keong Saik road and even south bridge road temple for events but never seen anything so poorly managed like this. There are humble usher and management people who trying so hard to please everyone. Just felt this favouritism could have been prevented when certain ethnic group( don’t wish to say who ) kept calling their own people to enter baba hall for Deepa aarathanai and “special” prayers. Then when other are trying to enter the same way the privileged were brought in they were chased away. Could have done better if there was a balance of volunteers. People go to temple to see God and to pray in peace. Not for cinematic drama . I will still continue to visit this temple however it depends on the management on handling their people and...

Here's a brief history of the Arulmigu Velmurugan Gnanamuneeswarar Temple:

Early History

Established: 1992 by a group of devotees from the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB). Original location: The temple started as a small shrine in a rented premises in Hougang. Relocation: In 1996, the temple relocated to its current site at 50 Rivervale Crescent.

Deities and Significance

Main deity: Lord Murugan (Velmurugan), a revered Hindu deity. Secondary deity: Lord Gnanamuneeswarar (Shiva), revered for knowledge and wisdom. Other deities: Goddess Valli, Goddess Devasena, and Lord Ganesha.

Temple Features

Architecture: Blend of South Indian and modern styles. Gopuram: A striking 5-tiered tower at the entrance. Mandapam: Spacious hall for prayers, events, and cultural activities. Shrine rooms: Separate sanctums for each deity.

Festivals and Events

Thaipusam: Annual procession in honor of Lord Murugan. Vijayadashami: Celebrated with cultural programs and prayers. Pradosham: Monthly prayers to Lord Shiva. Weekly poojas: Regular prayer services and homams.

Community Services

Cultural classes: Music, dance, and language classes. Youth programs: Activities for young devotees. Charity events: Support for local and international charitable causes.

Please note that this information might not be exhaustive. For more details or specific inquiries, I recommend visiting the temple's website or contacting them...

Participated in Sai mandalabishegam on 29/9/2033 . My kids performed at the concert that day. Since there was no one to serve food at the counter at that moment (8.30 pm), I helped myself to serve food (sambar rice) to my 3 kids and took 3 broken pieces of appalam. From nowhere came a person with a black t-shirt with red sleeve and gave a remark as how much appalam one person will take ..I said I am here with 3 kids and that's why took 3 broken pieces . He sarcastically smiled and said, if one person takes so much and told me to go.. I said it is supposed to be annadhanam and this is rude . He replied not to lecture and told me to leave. This was totally unexpected at a place where food is served as annadhanam. He claimed that he is the manager there . Very unpleasant experience. People here are not here to beg food from him. This is very poor attitude. Person with this kind of attitude is not fit to be a manager / committe member.

I hope the temple management advices him on how to behave at a place where food is...