Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, holds a rich history dating back to its construction in 1827. Originally known as Mariamman Kovil or Kling Street Temple, it was established to provide a place of worship for immigrants hailing from the Nagapatnam and Cuddalore districts of South India. This revered temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, renowned for her ability to combat epidemic illnesses and diseases.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Chinatown, the temple’s grand entrance, adorned with ornate features known as the gopuram, has long served as an enduring symbol for both Hindu devotees and the wider Singaporean community.
The temple’s creation was inspired by Mr. Naraina Pillai, a dedicated clerk with the British East India Company in Penang. Mr. Pillai, who played a significant role in Singapore’s early development, accompanied Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, on his second visit to the island in 1819. He not only set up the region’s first brick kiln but also swiftly established himself as a prominent leader within the Indian community.
Initially allocated land by the East India Company along Telok Ayer Street for a Hindu Temple, it was deemed unsuitable due to a lack of accessible fresh water required for rituals. Consequently, Colonel William Farquhar, the first British Resident and Commandant of Singapore from 1819 to 1823, permitted Mr. Pillai to utilize an alternative plot near what is today Stamford Canal in 1821. However, changes in colonial town planning prevented the use of the Stamford Canal site. Ultimately, the temple found its permanent home at the South Bridge site in Chinatown, granted to Mr. Pillai in 1823.
In 1827, the temple took shape as a structure crafted from wood and attap at South Bridge Road. Remarkably, a small deity known as “Sinna Amman,” installed by Mr. Naraina Pillai in 1827, continues to reside in the main sanctum of the temple today.
In 1843, a significant milestone was reached with the construction of a building made from plaster and brick. However, it wasn’t until 1962, nearly a century and two decades later, that a new temple structure emerged, complete with intricate sculptural details reminiscent of traditional Indian temple architecture. The original gopuram, erected in the late 1800s, underwent rebuilding in the 1930s and was further restored and adorned with elaborate sculptures in the 1960s. Over the past century, the temple has undergone several redevelopment phases to maintain its splendor.
Historical records reveal that the temple’s first recorded kumbabishegam (consecration) ceremony took place in June 1936. Subsequent kumbabishegams followed, with the second occurring in June 1949, and others in 1971, 1984, and 1996.
During colonial times, Sri Mariamman Temple served as a sanctuary for new immigrants and played a pivotal role in hosting community activities. It also held the exclusive authorization to solemnize Hindu marriages.
The main festival celebrated at Sri Mariamman Temple is Theemithi, an annual Fire-walking ceremony held in October/November. Additionally, the temple observes other significant festivals such as Navarathiri and 1008 Sankabishegam.