Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple, situated along South Bridge Road, is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, boasting a rich history spanning nearly 200 years. The temple is said to have been founded by Naraina Pillai, together with other community leaders, in 1827. Recognised as a national monument in 1973, it holds the distinction of being the first Hindu religious site to receive such recognition. In 1823, the present site was set aside in Singapore’s first town plan, which Lieutenant Philip Jackson drew up. A wood-and-attap structure was erected on the site by 1827. The temple was also known as the “Kling Temple” in the past, as “kling” was a common term that referred to southern Indians, before it was considered derogatory. The temple compound was enlarged when an Indian landowner, Seshasalam Pillai, donated part of his land to the temple in 1831, a gesture commemorated on a granite slab within the temple. 

The oldest sections of the present brick structure date back to 1843. In 1915, the firm Swan & Maclaren was tasked to design a new sheltered walkway between the entrance tower and the main building. In 1925, the original three-tiered raja gopuram (grand entrance tower) was replaced by the current five-tiered structure. Over the past century, the temple has undergone multiple redevelopment phases. However, the small statue of the goddess Mariamman at the inner sanctum remains the same as the one installed originally during the temple's founding.

Beyond its role as a place of worship, Sri Mariamman Temple served as a refuge for new immigrants, a venue for dispute mediation, and an early registry of Hindu marriages. Evolving with elaborate constructions, it has seen a growth in daily and ceremonial attendees. With its heritage significance, the temple is also a tourist attraction. The primary annual festival, Theemithi (fire walking ceremony), occurs in October or November. Managed by the Hindu Endowments Board, the temple remains a cultural hub. In adherence to the Hindu tradition of renovating and consecrating temples every 12 years, the sixth ceremony took place in 2023 with approximately 20,000 multiracial devotees in attendance, underscoring the temple's inclusive role.



For more information
RootsSG. (n.d.). Sri Mariamman Temple. Accessed on August 1, 2025. https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sri-mariamman-temple
Sri Mariamman Temple. (n.d.). About Temple. Accessed on August 1, 2025. https://smt.org.sg/HEB/Template3/history 
Tan, Bonny, and Valerie Chew. Sri Mariamman Temple. Singapore Infopedia. Accessed on August 1, 2025.
Vardini, Vishnu A. (February 12, 2023). 20,000 people mark restoration and consecration of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. The Straits Times. Accessed on August 1 2025. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/20000-people-mark-restoration-and-consecration-of-singapore-s-oldest-hindu-temple 

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The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.