244 South Bridge Rd
Venturing deeper into Chinatown, you’re likely to find yourself standing in awe in front of the majestic Sri Mariamman Temple. Like every visitor, you simply cannot ignore the marvel of this elaborately carved 6-tiered tower over the temple gates. It is absolutely stunning!
The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. It was constructed in 1827 for worship by immigrants from the Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts of South India. It was first constructed out of wood and attap, and then converted into a brick-and-plaster temple in 1843. In 1973, Sri Mariamman Temple was declared a National Monument by the Preservation of Monuments Board. Back in the colonial days, the temple was once the Registry of Marriages for Hindus
If you’re looking to immerse yourself further in this culturally-rich experience, be sure to catch the age-old Hindu rituals performed by priests, worshippers and musicians in the early evenings at the temple. However, remember to adhere to the temple’s strict etiquette and dress codes before you enter. If you’re visiting between mid-October and mid-November, you are in luck! Make sure you take this opportunity to observe one of their main festival’s procession (Theemithi), commonly known as the Fire Walking ceremony that happens only once a year.
