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WHEN one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples throws open its doors on Sunday, devotees can expect a whole new religious experience.
The 82-year-old Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple, located in the heart of Chinatown, has benefited from a $2.4 million facelift.
While the temple's hallmark main sanctum and coloured glass are still there, the walls have been knocked down to create more space and better ventilation.
The three-tiered gopuram, or temple tower, has been replaced with a grander five-tiered one. And the walls are laced with deities, the result of six months of carving by 15 craftsmen from India.
Temple officials opted for the makeover, which began in June, because the congregation had outgrown the sanctuary.
'Over the last 15 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of devotees,' said Dr K. Vellayappan, president of the Chettiars Temple Society, which manages the temple.
'We want to accommodate everyone comfortably while retaining the essence of the temple.'
More than 100 devotees visit the Keong Saik Road sanctuary daily and the number swells to 1,000 on auspicious days. Over 5,000 are expected on Sunday when it will be reconsecrated.
Mr Dennis Tan, a Buddhist, has visited the temple almost every day after hearing about it from a friend five years ago.
He said: 'I prayed for my daughter to get into a popular school near my home through balloting - and she did.'
Mr Tan Tooh Dean, 57, who runs a coffee shop across the street, is one of the many Chinese among the faithful.
He visits the temple every day to pray for good business.
'The temple is very powerful,' he said.
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