The Singapore Ceylon Tamils’ Association (SCTA) and the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple (SSVT), popularly known as Ceylon Road temple, have produced a documentary – A Sacred Space in Singapore – on the history of the temple.
The 52-minute documentary was screened at a video launch event-cum-exhibition – Roots and Routes: The Ceylon Tamils of Singapore – held at the University Cultural Centre on 27 April 2025. The documentary and exhibition also showcased the history and accomplishments of the Ceylonese Tamil community in Singapore and Malaysia.
The documentary profiles the history of the temple, located at 19 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429613, from its beginnings around the 1850s to its recent recognition as a heritage site in 2003. It also includes historical reenactments and interviews with community members and highlights the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
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– SSVT Chairman, Mr Indrayogan Yogarajah |
National icon
SSVT Chairman, Mr Indrayogan Yogarajah said: “From its humble beginning as a small hut in 1923, the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple has now grown into an icon in the country.”
He added: “Our forefathers believed that in addition to being a place of worship, meeting and mingling, the temple has to be a place for teaching and shared values for the young ones.”
The event was officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a fourth generation Singaporean of Ceylonese Tamil descent.
Across the decades, the temple has functioned as a ‘beacon’ for the Ceylon Tamil community to gather, form associations and groups to further themselves in Singapore.
Mr Indrayogan also detailed on the temple’s various charity initiatives from providing meals every week to as many as 3,000 people, mostly migrant workers, 100 food packs to the elderly and needy in the Marine Parade area and partnering with Dreamcatchers organisation to aid children with chronic health conditions.
Contribution of Ceylon Tamils to Singapore
The exhibition featured 48 panels covering the history of Ceylon Tamils in Singapore, such as where they hailed from, working in the Straits Settlements as surveyors, building the railways and roads of Singapore and Malaysia, working in the plantations, as well as in the medical and judicial fields as well as the police force.
SCTA spokesperson Mr T Shanmugaratnam said: “This exhibition not only chronicles the pivotal moments in our shared history but also acts as a reminder to the younger generation of Singaporeans of their roots, and the route taken by the pioneer generation of Ceylon Tamils who decided to make Singapore their home. This exhibition is a reminder of our rich heritage, legacy and fortitude as we come together to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday.”
Fundraising for Kumbhabhishegam 2027
All funds raised from the event will be donated for the Consecration Ceremony of the of the temple slated to be held in 2027. Proceeds will be used for renovation works within the temple, including its gopuram (pinnacles) and the adjoining buildings housing the Wedding Hall, Sunday School classes, the Music and Dance Academy and accommodation for temple staff.
History of Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
The history of the temple starts in the 1850s, with the discovery of a statue of Lord Vinayagar by the side of a pond. The Senpaga (Magnolia champaca) tree that stood on the bank of the pond was an identifying element, hence the temple was named Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple.
A Ceylon Tamil pioneer, Mr Ethirnayagam Pillai pioneered the building of the first structure, a modest shelter with an attap roof with the help of Indian workers. This humble abode under the Chempaka tree became the temple of Sri Senpaga Vinayagar.
In 1923, the SCTA became the official keeper and manager of this Temple. From that year onwards, the Temple Committee was elected from among the SCTA members. Today, besides religious classes, there is also a well-established Music and Dance Academy operating within the Temple premises offering Carnatic vocal classes, Bharatanatyam dance classes and violin, keyboard, tabla and mridangam lessons to the larger diaspora of Singaporeans.
Comment on this Topic“This exhibition not only chronicles the pivotal moments in our shared history but also acts as a reminder to the younger generation of Singaporeans of their roots, and the route taken by the pioneer generation of Ceylon Tamils who decided to make Singapore their home.
– SCTA spokesperson Mr T Shanmugaratnam
