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Sri Mariamman Temple
📍 244 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793View map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:Evenings for the 'Thevaram' hymns, October for Navaratri festival

⏰ Open Hours:7:00 am to 12:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

🏞 Things To Do:Attend daily pooja, Explore Dravidian architecture, Attend Navaratri and Thimithi festivals

💰 Entry Fee:Free

🧳 Traveller Types:Families, Solo Travellers, History and Culture Enthusiasts

🏆 Known For:Oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Famous for its colourful 'gopuram' (tower)

📍 Distances:18 km from Changi Airport, 3 km from Marina Bay Sands, 2 km from Orchard Road

♿ Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible

👕 Dress Code:Conservative, Remove footwear before entering

📸 Photography:Allowed, but not during worship times

🔍 Unique Aspect:Hosts annual fire-walking festival (Thimithi)

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Sri Mariamman Temple: A Guide to Singapore’s Oldest Hindu Temple

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, and nowhere is this more evident than in its temples. One of the most prominent and oldest temples in the city-state is the Sri Mariamman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of rain and fertility. Located in the heart of Chinatown, the temple is a stunning example of South Indian architecture, art, and spirituality.

Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or a curious traveler, you will find something to admire and appreciate in this temple. In this article, we will take you on a tour of the Sri Mariamman Temple, and share with you its history, culture, and attractions. We will also give you some practical information and tips on how to visit the temple, as well as some nearby attractions and amenities that you can explore. Read on to discover why the Sri Mariamman Temple is a must-see destination in Singapore.

History and Culture

The Sri Mariamman Temple has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The temple was founded by Naraina Pillai, a Tamil businessman and community leader who arrived in Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, in 1819. Pillai obtained a piece of land from the East India Company in 1823, and built a simple shrine for the goddess Mariamman, who was revered by the early immigrants from South India for her power to cure diseases and protect them from hardships. The shrine soon became a place of worship and social gathering for the Hindu community, especially during festivals and celebrations.

Over the years, the temple underwent several renovations and expansions, and acquired its present form and appearance in the 1860s. The temple is designed in the Dravidian style of architecture, which is characterized by ornate and colorful sculptures, towers, and domes. The most striking feature of the temple is the gopuram, or the entrance tower, which is decorated with hundreds of figures of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures. The gopuram also serves as a landmark for the temple, as it can be seen from afar in the busy streets of Chinatown.

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The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of culture and heritage. The temple houses several deities and rituals that reflect the diversity and traditions of the Hindu faith. The main deity of the temple is Mariamman, who is depicted as a fierce and benevolent goddess with a crown of fire and a necklace of skulls. She is accompanied by other deities, such as Durga, the goddess of war and victory, Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success, and Murugan, the god of youth and beauty. The temple also hosts various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, such as the Thimithi, or the fire-walking ceremony, which is held in October or November, and attracts thousands of devotees and spectators. During this ceremony, devotees walk barefoot over a bed of hot coals as a test of faith and devotion to the goddess.

Highlights and Attractions

The Sri Mariamman Temple is a treasure trove of art and beauty, and there are many things to see and admire in the temple. Here are some of the highlights and attractions that you should not miss when you visit the temple:

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The Gopuram: The Towering Entrance of the Temple

The gopuram is the most impressive and eye-catching part of the temple, and it is worth spending some time to observe and appreciate its intricate and colorful details. The gopuram is divided into five tiers, each with a different theme and motif. The lowest tier features scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, while the upper tiers feature various deities and celestial beings. The gopuram is also adorned with floral and geometric patterns, as well as bells and lamps that create a festive and lively atmosphere.

The Deities: The Divine Residents of the Temple

The temple is home to several deities, each with their own shrine and personality. The main deity is Mariamman, who is located in the inner sanctum of the temple, and is accessible only to the priests. The other deities are located in the outer hall, and are open to the public. Some of the deities that you can see and worship are Durga, Ganesh, Murugan, and Rama. Each deity has a unique iconography and symbolism, and you can learn more about them from the informative plaques and signs that are placed near their shrines.

The Architecture: The Artistic Expression of the Temple

The temple is a masterpiece of architecture, and showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the South Indian artisans. The temple is built with bricks, plaster, and lime, and is painted in vibrant colors of red, blue, yellow, and green. The temple is also embellished with carvings, paintings, and murals that depict the stories and legends of the Hindu faith. The temple has a rectangular layout, with a main hall, a vestibule, and a sanctum. The main hall has a high ceiling, supported by pillars that are carved with floral and animal motifs. The vestibule has a dome-shaped roof, with a lotus-shaped finial at the top. The sanctum has a pyramidal roof, with a golden spire at the apex.

The Festivals: The Vibrant Celebrations of the Temple

The temple is a hub of activity and joy, especially during the festivals and celebrations that mark the Hindu calendar. The temple celebrates several festivals, such as the Navratri, or the nine nights of worship, the Deepavali, or the festival of lights, and the Pongal, or the harvest festival. The most famous and spectacular festival, however, is the Thimithi, or the fire-walking ceremony, which is held in October or November, and coincides with the Theemidhi festival in India. During this festival, devotees walk barefoot over a bed of hot coals, as a test of faith and devotion to the goddess. The festival also involves a procession of devotees, carrying pots of milk and offerings, from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India to the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. The festival is a sight to behold, and attracts thousands of devotees and spectators from all walks of life.

Practical Information

If you are planning to visit the Sri Mariamman Temple, here are some practical information and tips that you should know:

Admission Fee: Free of charge

Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 12 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm

Dress Code: Modest and respectful attire, covering the shoulders and knees

Photography Rules: Allowed, but no flash photography or video recording inside the temple

Etiquette: Remove your shoes before entering the temple, and leave them in the designated racks outside. Do not touch or disturb the deities, the priests, or the devotees. Do not eat or drink inside the temple, and dispose of any trash properly. Respect the customs and beliefs of the temple, and follow the instructions of the staff and volunteers.

Safety Precautions: Be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid visiting the temple during peak hours or festivals, as it can get very crowded and noisy. If you are participating in the fire-walking ceremony, make sure you are physically and mentally prepared, and follow the guidance of the organizers.

Location and Directions

The Sri Mariamman Temple is located at 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793. Here are some ways to reach the temple:

By MRT:

The nearest MRT station is Chinatown, which is on the North East Line and the Downtown Line. From the station, take Exit A, and walk along Pagoda Street until you reach South Bridge Road. Turn right, and you will see the temple on your left.

By Bus:

The nearest bus stop is Opp Sri Mariamman Tp, which is on South Bridge Road. The bus services that stop here are 61, 80, 145, 166, and 197. From the bus stop, cross the road, and you will see the temple on your right.

By Car:

The nearest car park is Chinatown Complex, which is on Smith Street. The parking fee is $0.60 per half hour from 7 am to 5 pm, and $0.60 per hour from 5 pm to 10.30 pm. From the car park, walk along Smith Street until you reach South Bridge Road. Turn left, and you will see the temple on your left.

By Taxi:

The nearest taxi stand is Chinatown Pt, which is on New Bridge Road. The taxi fare depends on the distance, time, and surcharges. From the taxi stand, walk along New Bridge Road until you reach South Bridge Road. Turn right, and you will see the temple on your left.

By Bike:

The nearest bike-sharing station is Chinatown Pt, which is on New Bridge Road. The bike rental fee depends on the service provider and the duration. From the bike station, ride along New Bridge Road until you reach South Bridge Road.

By Foot:

The temple is within walking distance from many attractions and landmarks in Chinatown, such as the Chinatown Heritage Centre, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Maxwell Food Centre, and the Chinatown Street Market. You can follow the signs and maps that are placed along the streets, or use a navigation app on your phone to guide you to the temple.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

The Sri Mariamman Temple is not the only attraction in Chinatown. There are many other places that you can visit and enjoy, either before or after your visit to the temple. Here are some of the nearby attractions and amenities that you can check out:

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Chinatown Heritage Centre:

This is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Chinese immigrants who settled in Chinatown. You can learn about their stories, struggles, and achievements, as well as see the replicas of their living quarters and shops. The museum is located at 48 Pagoda Street, and is open from 9 am to 8 pm daily. The admission fee is $18 for adults and $13 for children.

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Buddha Tooth Relic Temple:

This is a Buddhist temple that houses a relic of the Buddha’s tooth, which is said to have been recovered from his funeral pyre in India. The temple is also a stunning example of Tang dynasty architecture, with a five-story pagoda, a giant prayer wheel, and a rooftop garden. The temple is located at 288 South Bridge Road, and is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. The admission is free, but donations are welcome.

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Maxwell Food Centre:

This is a hawker centre that offers a variety of local and international cuisines, such as chicken rice, laksa, satay, dim sum, and more. The food centre is famous for its cheap and delicious food, and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The food centre is located at 1 Kadayanallur Street, and is open from 8 am to 10 pm daily.

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Chinatown Street Market:

This is a street market that sells a variety of goods, such as souvenirs, antiques, clothes, accessories, and more. The street market is a great place to shop for bargains, as well as to experience the lively and colorful atmosphere of Chinatown. The street market is located along Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street, and Smith Street, and is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily.

The Sri Mariamman Temple is a cultural and religious landmark in Singapore, and a must-see destination for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, culture, and attractions of the city-state. The temple is a stunning example of South Indian architecture, art, and spirituality, and a place of worship and celebration for the Hindu community. Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or a curious traveler, you will find something to admire and appreciate in this temple. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the Sri Mariamman Temple today, and discover why it is one of the most popular and beloved temples in Singapore.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family, and leave a comment below. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!

Sri Mariamman Temple Reviews

Mariamman Temple Its one of the oldest places of worship in Singapore for the Hindus.The temple is always abuzz with rituals and cultural activities.I was holding my breath and just took seat back and was gazing at the opulently decorated temple.
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