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 S.R Nathan, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Professor S Jayakumar.

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

On Sunday, they will mark the culmination 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 which is Lord Siva - whom the temple is dedicated to.

Lord Siva is one among three deities who represent the Hindu holy trinity.

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

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

Read the full story in tomorrow's edition of The Sunday Times.