A ceremony like this is held following extensive renovations to the temple once every 12 years, a temple spokesman said.

Attending the special event will be President SR Nathan, as well as Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar.

Prior to the consecration, priests performed ceremonies and prayers for 48 days, the spokesman said.

Today, they will culminate proceedings by pouring holy water over the gold pinnacles of the temple's domes. Holy water will also be poured over the temple's deities, among whom is Lord Shiva - to whom the temple is dedicated.

Lord Shiva is one of three deities who represent the Hindu holy trinity.

The temple, which has been in Geylang since 1993, has undergone a major $5.5 million renovation.

Besides new features such as meditation rooms, the temple has also been made more accessible to the elderly and disabled. Lifts have been put in and entry-ways redesigned so that everyone can attend ceremonies there, the spokesman said.

Built in a historically Malay heritage area, next to a Buddhist monastery and a Taoist home for the aged, the Sri Sivan Temple is popular with devotees from all cultures and races.

After today's main consecration, cultural performances and ceremonies will be held for the next 48 days, for which the temple is flying in performers and dancers from around the world - including the United States, India and Malaysia.

Top local artists will also be taking part in the cultural festival. The performances will start at 7.30pm.

To mark the ceremony today, a book called Nama Sivaya has been specially commissioned and is on sale at the temple.