The vibrant neighbourhood of Chinatown in Singapore is a colourful palette of intriguing sights, sounds and scents that lures visitors from all over the world, salivating to sample its exotic delights. A remarkable yet unusual sight in downtown Chinatown is the beautiful Sri Mariamman Temple, an elegant and elaborate silhouette of South Indian influence amidst the Chinese-style angular pagoda roofs.
The Sri Mariamman Temple was born in the year 1827, under the patronage of Naraina Pillai, who accompanied Sir Stamford Raffles on his journey here. Pillai quickly became a pillar of the local Indian community and established himself as a prominent businessman. The temple rose from humble origins at the point of its initial construction to its resplendent status as the primary site of worship for the city’s Hindu community. The majority of the temple’s architectural elements date back to the early-mid nineteenth century, by skilled artisans from South India.
Upon first sight, visitors will encounter the impressive gopuram, otherwise known as an ornamental tower, as a stunning first impression of the sacred locality. The original tower comprised three tiers and was constructed in 1903, yet functioned as a prominent landmark in its time. The ornate gopuram rose in height to its current six-tiered configuration in 1925. No doubt one of the most photographed elements of the temple complex, the gopuram features an intricate detailing of Hindu deities, other personages, and decorative elements. Elegantly tapering upwards, each tier decreases in height and scale as it ascends, which is to emphasize the illusion of height. Two prominent Hindu divinities accompany the gopuram on each side; Lord Murugan (son of Lord Shiva) on the right, and Lord Krishna on the left. Swathed in a vibrant mix of bright colours, the impressive tower and guardian deities are alluring sights that immediately summon and capture the eye upon first glance.
One sheds one’s shoes prior to entering the temple as a sign of respect, and also as a symbolic shedding of worldly elements in pursuit of the spiritual path. The main worship hall emphasizes the veneration of the principal deity, Sri Mariamman, a mother-goddess figure who presides over the harvest and wards off disease. Other shrines revere Lord Murugan, Lord Rama, the Goddess Durga, Lady Draupadi, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Muthurajah. The shrine dedicated to Lady Draupadi is one of the most important, as it is the focal point of the annual Timiti, or fire-walking festival.
Continue your exploration of Singapore’s vibrant multi-cultural elements when you plant yourself at stylish central Singapore hotels, with access to all of the city-state’s most delightful sights and attractions. One particular brand worthy of mention are the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore, which feature a luxurious ambiance and attentive hospitality that make all their hotels in Singapore some of the finest rests in the country.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
