Singapore — Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore
Visiting the Sri Mariamman Temple
February 2018
I have visited the Sri Mariamman Temple many times. It is a fascinating place, and if you are in Chinatown in Singapore, make sure you drop by the temple.
The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, built in 1827. The temple was constructed by Narayana Pillai, who arrived in Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Narayana Pillai requested some land in 1823 to build the temple, but it was only in 1827 that work started. The magnificent gopuram, or entrance tower on the temple, dates from the 1930s.
The temple initially provided shelter for Indian immigrants and was the only Hindu temple that could carry out weddings.
The temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess, Sri Mariamman, who has healing powers.
Today, the temple is best known for the fire-walking ceremony, or Theemithi, held every October or November. Devotees walk on the hot coals during the ceremony to test their faith and devotion.
Foursquare: Sri Mariamman Temple
