Overview
Founded in 1827 by Tamil immigrant Naraina Pillai, Sri Mariamman is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, with an arresting location on South Bridge Road right in the heart of Chinatown — its five-story ornate gopuram bursting with about 70 Hindu deity carvings appears suddenly amid the Chinese shophouses. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, the bringer of rain. Each October-November the temple hosts the Theemithi (fire-walking) ceremony where devotees walk barefoot across hot coals, and it is a designated Singapore national monument. Free admission. A 5-minute walk from MRT Chinatown Station.
Opening Hours
Daily 07:00-12:00 and 18:00-21:00
Travel Tips
Remove shoes before entering and avoid revealing clothing. Friday evening worship around 19:30 is the most atmospheric — photography is allowed outside the main shrine.
Hotels near Sri Mariamman Temple
Hotels and guesthouses in Chinatown & Little India, Chinatown, Singapore
Other attractions in Chinatown & Little India
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
An ornate Chinese Buddhist temple in Chinatown said to house a relic of the Buddha's tooth.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Little India's landmark Hindu temple, striking with its colorful gopuram (tower gateway).
Mustafa Centre
A 24-hour mega-department store in Little India selling everything from gold to spices to electronics.
Chinatown Heritage Centre
A lifestyle museum recreating the cramped tenement rooms of 1950s Chinese immigrants.
Tekka Centre
Little India's biggest market + hawker centre overflowing with Indian spices, saris, and street food.
Haji Lane & Kampong Glam
Vibrant street art lane in the Arab Muslim quarter of Kampong Glam, anchored by the golden Sultan Mosque.