SINGAPURA: Sri Mariamman

A “Gopuram”, or a brightly painted monumental tower richly embellished with Hindu deities, cultural figures and real life carvings of mythological creatures was the first one that caught everybody’s attention aboard the TOUR BUS that everyone was soon filing out the door in the CHINATOWN stop to get a closer look, us included. Even from the distance, it’s evident why this oldest temple in Singapore is a major tourist attraction. This place of worship dedicated after its goddess Mariamman who is especially praised for the protection against illness and diseases was even declared a National Monument.

The inside of the temple is just as impressive as its exterior.  It is said that in order to have good luck, worshippers will have to walk the temples’ interior clock-wise several number of times.
 

 

Entrance is free, but shoes are not allowed inside the temple as a sign of respect so leave it outside or put it in your bag.  You can walk with your socks on though, a good thing since the walkway to the other shrines don’t have roof on them and it can get intense walking on sun-heated cement floor.  Also, wear appropriate clothing (knees or shoulders should be covered).
 

Taking photographs are also allowed for a fee of 3SDG per person; double that for a video cam.  The temple is open from 6am to 9pm.

If you happen to visit Singapore on an October, be sure to come by the temple and witness the annual Fire Walking for Singapore’s Theemidhi Festival.  For more information, call this number +65 6223 4064.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you’re taking the MRT, take the Northeast Line and get off at Chinatown Exit A and walk along Pagoda Street going to South Bridge Road.  If you are on a Hop-on Hop-off, the bus will stop near the temple in South Bridge Road, it should only be a short walk.


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