Sri Sivan Temple is located at Geylang East in Singapore on a 3,000 sq. meter plot. Before finally being constructed at this location, it had to move to two different locations. Originally the temple was at the Orchard Road site. It was rebuilt at this site in 1850. The Sivalinga was known to be worshipped at this site well before 1850. Geyland zone is in the central region of Singapore.
Sri Sivan Temple was first under the Mohammedan Endowments Board. In 1968, the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) was formed to manage four temples including the Sri Sivan Temple. The Hindu Endowments Board had intended to make the new temple unique in appearance, features and facilities. The Board and the management committee of the temple consulted well-known temple architects in India. Unique design with an octagonal structure with a multi-purpose hall and staff quarters was conceptualised.
White in colour, large, dominating spires, (Sikharas), blend of different Indian temple styles like Dravidian architecture, large flight of steps at the entrance are the exclusive features of the temple. Beautiful arches and ornamented columns and domes, ceilings of the main mandapa with elaborate decoration remind us of Dilwara Jain temple of Mount Abu and also of the newly constructed Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. Large open spaces give the feeling of capaciousness. The niches house many pictures and sculptures of many Hindu deities. Circumambulatory path around the main structure is wide. The outer façade is enriched with the sculptures and the three Bhumeej sikharas form the skyline of that part of Singapore.
The entire temple is very well maintained. Though located in the busy area, the temple emanates peace and tranquillity through its spaces and design. Each temple is the powerhouse of spiritual energy and its designs were formalised for the same. Combinations of all the styles embedded in modern context, far away from the original place of its design, is also capable of evoking the same feeling.
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