Singapore is a melting pot of vibrant Asian cultures from virtually all parts of the continent. Its tenure under the British Empire ensured the country’s landscape being shaped by different waves of colourful immigrant communities. Singapore does luxury to a style all its own, with each 5 star hotel in Singapore boasting a different brand of exclusivity. By far, the best hotel in Singapore might be the REGENT SINGAPORE with its elite and eclectic blend of contemporary luxury laced with traditional Asian décor, guaranteed to titillate the discerning cultural tourist. While in the city, be sure to pay a visit to the bustling neighbourhood of Serangoon Road, or Little India, as it is more popularly known.
Hub to the country’s Indian community, you can find anything here that evokes India, from bright saris, delicious curries and rotties (a South Indian flatbread), to deep spirituality and fortune-telling from a parrot. The country’s most famous and oldest temple is the iconic and historic Srimariamman Temple, which serves as the Tamil Hindu community’s religious, educational and social focal point. It was built 1827 in the South Indian Dravidian style, with a towering, multi-hued gopuram rising majestically into the heavens in a stairway decorated by the multitude of Hindu gods on its rims. Visitors who walk through the magnificently large doorways are humbled in comparison, as they are made to feel diminutive in the presence of the sacred divine. The primary shrine within the temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the South Indian goddess of rain, and is associated with other female aspects of the Hindu religion, such as Mother Parvati, Durga, Kali, and Lakshmi. Her North Indian counterpart is Sheetala Devi. Her shrine is accompanied by two secondary shrines dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Murugan. Other shrines in the temple are in reverence to Durga, Ganesha, Draupadi, Aravan, and Muthularajah. The Goddess Durga’s shrine is the second most important in the temple, as she is central to the main Timiti (firewalking) festival held annually. The temple is a spirited tribute to one of the country’s most significant faiths.
