Shiva ~ also known as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance.

Shiva the Hindu god of destruction is also known as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Like yoga, dance induces trance, ecstasy and the experience of the divine.

The most common figures depict a four-armed Nataraja. These multiple arms represent the four cardinal directions. Each hand either holds an object or makes a specific mudra (gesture).

The upper right hand holds a hour-glass drum which is a symbol of creation. It is beating the pulse of the universe. The drum also provides the music that accompanies Nataraja’s dance.

The opposite hand, the upper left, bears on its palm a tongue of flames. Fire is the element of destruction of the world. It is also the symbol of passion.

The second right hand is held in the abhaya pose (without fear) and so a gesture of protection. It depicts the god as a protector.

The left leg is raised towards the right leg and reaches across it; the lower left hand is stretched across the body and points to the upraised left foot which represents release from the cycle of birth and death.

The hand pointing to the uplifted foot is held in a pose imitative of the outstretched trunk of an elephant. 

In Sanskrit this is known as the ’gaja-hasta-mudra’ (the posture of the elephant trunk), and is symbolic of Ganesha, Shiva’s son, the Remover of Obstacles.

Nataraja dances on the body of a dwarf apasmara-purusha, the man of forgetfulness, who embodies indifference, ignorance and laziness.

Creation is possible only when the weight of inertia is overcome and suppressed. The Nataraja image thus addresses each individual to overcome complacency and get his or her own act together.

The ring of fire and light, which circumscribes the entire image, identifies the field of the dance with the entire universe. The lotus pedestal on which the image rests locates this universe in the heart or consciousness of each person.

The hands of Shiva represent the Human Faculties of the Imagination (Creation, Spirit, Vishnu), Control (Destruction, Thinking, Compression, Shiva), Desire (Agni, Fire, Sensing &Acting, Expansion) and the Emotions (Soul, Ganesha, Motivation, Removing Obstacles).

Sri Sivan Temple - Great sense of Spirituality for Shivan Devotees

24 Geylang East Avenue 2
Singapore 389752

Towers that serve as the background of the temple.

What a beautiful start of the day. We were recharged, excited and most of all ready for another day in Singapore. Last night was a blast as we have dinner at ‘Makansutra Gluttons Bay’ in Esplanade Promenade. It was an awesome experienced as our friend joined us with the spectacular ambiance of Singapore’s skyline. Our night-out ended around 1 AM and we headed to the hotel right away. Llowel and Lemwuel separated ways too as Llowel stays in Changi while Lemwuel’s apartment is just a few MRT stations away from our hotel. We persuaded them to join me and Balong in the hotel but both of them has its excuses; thus, we head to our hotel on our own. We were darn-dead exhausted because of a very long day yesterday; however, every attraction that we visited was a memorable one and an experienced not to forget.

Balong checking the map in Paya Lebar MRT Station. hmmmm afraid to get lost huh?  (ahahaha!).

Yesterday, we visited the stunning 'Singapore Chinese Garden', the serene 'Japanese Garden', and the haven of rare species in 'Jurong Bird Park.' Even we were totally drained; point is we enjoyed every minute of it.

We followed these Shiva Devotees to the temple.

We woke up around 5 AM as we wanted to avoid the rush along with other commuters in MRT. We still have some hang-over of yesterday’s night-out but we were so excited to roam around. Waking up early is hard to do but since we have a planned/detailed itinerary every single day, we need to follow it strictly. ‘No excuses, no but’s and no if’s’ that is what our rule during our trip in Singapore (ahahaha!). It sounds strict, ayt? But believe me it was not, as we enjoyed it a lot. Visiting each attraction with ample time to stay and discover each facet was an impeccable experience. 

The signage of Sri Sivan Temple.

Our hotel is just a few blocks away from Kallang MRT Station. It’s around 10 blocks or merely 15 minutes on foot.  Thanks for the presence of MRT as it always part of our mode of transportation since it is easier and the most convenient. As long as you have an EZ link and you always fill it up then you are ready to go. Please make sure to tap as I sometimes miss doing it (ahahaha!). What’s great about EZ link, you can always use it to any sort of transportation. Aside from MRT, you can also use it to pay when you ride either the bus or the taxi. There are also some establishments that accept this card. We wanted to try buying some groceries but were not confident enough that ‘maybe’ the outcome would be ‘transaction void’ (ahahaha!).

The facade of the temple.

We left the hotel around 6 AM and we headed directly to Sri Sivan Temple just within the proximity of Paya Lebar MRT (EW12) station. This attraction is on top of our list to visit since this area is just around Geylang, the infamous red light district. As expected, no rush on our part as only few passengers where inside the train. Right on our way out in the train station, we took our breakfast in one of the hawker and ordered omellete, 2 slices of fried chicken, 2 pieces of meat loaves and 2 fried rice that cost us around SGD 8 each about P265.00 or USD 6.00 which was good enough to fight the long walk (ahahaha!).

The main gateway of the temple.

Since we’re done having our breakfast, we left the hawker and begin our way to the temple. We asked some passers-by and they were so good to help us out. From Paya Lebar Station we took around 10 minutes ‘on foot’ before we reached the vicinity. Were lucky because we’ve seen 2 Hindi women worshiper and we just follow them then. There were some taxi’s but one local suggested that no need to hire one as this is just too near from the train station.

The 5 deities carved at the top of the main gate.

I just don’t know what it is to me but I always have great and keen fascinations with religious shrines and temples. There is some weird and yet wonderful feeling of ‘inner peace’ every time I visit these places which is really good. Persons of all faith are welcome in here as long as your intentions are clean of course, respect is the key. Please be aware that wearing proper attire I may say is significant. Don’t wear short shorts or sleeveless. Not to formal of course but something presentable, you know what I mean (hehehehe!).

God Shiva, deity of destruction and transformation.

The Sri Sivan Temple is dedicated to the presiding deity of destruction and transformation, Lord Shiva. Shaivism is one of the most influential denominations in Hinduism which reveres the God Shiva as the Supreme Being. Followers or devotees are called Shaivas, Saivas or Shaiviteas. They believe that Shiva is All, the creator, preserver, destroyer, reveler and concealer of all that is. By the way, ‘Sri’ is a word of Sanskrit origin, usually translated as "Holy", that's why its called "Holy Sivan Temple'

Intricate design of one of the column.

Seeing the temple from afar is very stunning. I can help myself but mesmerized by its elaborate design. As we get closer and closer we appreciate the exquisiteness of the temple. They are so excellent in detailing, try checking each angle of the place and you’ll see figures and abstracts that is eye catching. Hmmmmm I have to admit this is the first time ever that I’ve seen a Hindu temple in my whole life for real (poor me! ahahaha).

Sculptures that can be found in each corner of the temple. 

The facade of the temple.

The temple’s facade is composed of two prime colors of pink and beige. The distinctive design of the area is octagonal in shape that is surrounded by colored carved statues that intrigues me so much. Not to be missed is the ‘Gopuram or Gopura’, a monumental tower which is positioned at the background of the temple. I found it strange as some of the towers I’ve seen in the pictures of Hindu Temples they are situated in the front. There were three towers at the backdrop; If you’re new to the area you’ll be amazed on how they built the design as each tower has its own carved figures that are very astounding.

Gods/Goddesses of Sri Sivan Temple.

Nandi ~ sacred bull that signifies as the protector of the temple.

The arched on your way in is also one feature that you should look up to which is definitely a sight to behold. The 5 deities including Lord Shiva and Lord Ghanesh were carefully engraved in this main gate along with other 3 Hindu Gods/Goddess. Just on the left corner of the entrance, we’ve seen the interesting figure of ‘Nandi’, a sacred bull that signifies as the protector and official guard keeper of Temples and considered as Lord Shiva's foremost disciple

Scuplture of Nataraja dancing.

Nataraja is also called Lord Siva.

At first, I was so hesitant to get in, just don’t know why I was a little bit scared maybe because it is my first time? (ahahaha). However, after accumulating all the confidence to overtake my indecision, I asked permission to one devotee if it's ok to go inside and he humbly replied, 'yes you can' (ahahaha!).  I am a stranger here and it’s my first time to enter a Hindu temple; so, better ask someone first as a sign of respect, ayt?  I saw the priest without sleepers thus I took my shoes as well. Since Balong doesn’t want to go along with me I left him outside and asked to please take care of my shoes (ahahaha!). I was trying to convince him several times but not really his thing.

These dance moves induces trance, ecstasy, and experience being with the divine.

Skillfully sculptured design of God Siva while dancing.

There is no admission fee here but if you want to give donations please do so. Circumnavigating the vicinity was a feast for the eye as you will witness complex carvings of dancing figures, elephants, and deities covering the entire facade. Before going upstairs, I spend much time to the interesting dance sculpture of Lord Shiva which is also called 'Nataraja'. There were around 20 sculptures that are so interesting and so beautiful to look at. They say that these dance moves induces trance, ecstasy and experience being with the divine. But before I took some snaps, I asked permission too just in case they don’t allow me too. I took many snaps as much as I could after he permit me to do so.

On my way to the prayer hall.

After taking several shots, I went to the grand stairway at the temple's main entrance to check the main 'prayer hall'. The atmosphere inside is so quite because no one is around except the priest doing the ritual. In order not to disturb him I kept my distance and just watched him for a few minutes. I really wanted to check each feature inside but was taken aback as I don’t want to interfere while he was doing his prayer. I was already contented witnessing the environs of the prayer hall and that's good enough I guess. Main point is; I've seen it for real.

The main prayer hall.

I don't want to disturb the priest thus i took this picture from afar.

Thanks God because we included this in our itinerary or else we missed one thing that I love the most. For any tourists that are not familiar with the Hindu culture then this is the first step. This is definitely worth a look at if you are around. Remember that politeness and respect are mandatory.

On my way out, I've seen these abstract just in front of the stairs.

This is what it looks like up-close.

This is one spiritual experience of other sects that I will not forget. Maybe able to see more Hindu temples around but this one will remain as my first. What I fond the most is the design of the place as it is intricately magnificent. Most of their walls are sculpted with elaborate design that pretty sure visitors will truly adore. A place of worship which is so unique in appearance including its features and facilities. It will only require a few minutes to get a look and it is both beautiful and inspiring to see.

One of the devotee who i asked permission with if it's OK to get inside the temple.

After visiting the Shiva Temple please do not forget to visit the Foo Hai Chan Monastry which is just right next to the SIVA temple. It is a great sight to see the magnificient, immense, appealing, kind form of this 1000 armed mother goddess.

Devotees we followed earlier, we wanted to say our thanks but we don't want to disturb them though.

 

That's it for now. An experience not to forget and an opportunity for us to immerse in a completely different and foreign culture.

Cheerrrrrrrriooooooooooooossssssssssss!!!

Enan signing off…




:)