RENGANATHAN Iyer
Communities of Singapore (Part 2),
Accession Number 001187
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 4
Total Reels
- Rajandran Supramaniam
Interviewer
- 01:30:28
Total Running Time
- Tamil
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Aug 1990
Recording Date
- 00:20:12
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. Father was priest. Brahmins majority in village were teachers and priests. Others were cloth weavers, farmers and labourers. Attended Tamil school, Primary 6 education. Came from an orthodox family background, respectfully observing all festivals in Tamil calendar and very religious. Family vegetarians. Speaks Telegu fluently. Kali Temple and Sivan Temple popular in village.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Aug 1990
Recording Date
- 00:24:32
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Segregation of caste. Brahmins regarded superior and Harijan community looked down. But in Duvegamman Temple all admitted regardless of caste origin. At age of 20, became interested in temple activities and inclined to serve God. Uncle's influence and guidance inspired him into priesthood. Four years' experience at Chitty Nadu Ngaswaran Temple as priest before coming to Singapore.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Aug 1990
Recording Date
- 00:21:08
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Came to Singapore 1984 to Holy Tree Balasubramaniam Temple as priest and cook. Tamil and Malayalee families residing along Kavalam Road, Delhi Road off Naval Base community then. Chinese, Tamils, Sinhalese and tourists are regulars at the temple. Unique feature of Buddha's statue in temple is great attraction for locals and tourists. Major festivals - Punguni Uttaram and main deity is Lord Murugan (known as Balamurugan).
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Reel/Disc 4 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Aug 1990
Recording Date
- 00:24:36
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Devotees coming from Yishun, Marsiling and Woodlands on occasions of temple festivals such as Vinayagar Surti, Krishna Jayanthi, Kathigai in Tamil calendar. Onam festival. Prayers for Malayalees. Daily routine of attending to temple matters. Wake up at 5 am, cooking for staff and conducting and assisting main priest Rajamani in prayers.
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