Singapore has a strong multicultural past with People from China, India, Malaysia and other Asian countries live peacefully here. About 10% of Singapore's total population are Indians, most of whom believe in Hinduism. This explains why there are dozens of Hindu temples in Singapore. Since most of the Indians who have moved here are from the southern states of India, the temples here reflect typical South Indian architecture, with large gopurams, ornamental carvings and vibrant colors emanating from every corner of the shrine.
Like Hindu temples in other countries outside India, Singapore temples promote India's rich culture by holding major festivals, dance and music concerts, and other religious events. Of course these temples also serve as a link between people living in other countries and their ancestors in India. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Singapore and want to visit the island's Hindu temples, here are the top eight temples that should be on your itinerary.
Sri Mariamman Temple
The “Sri Mariamman Temple” is the oldest and most famous Hindu temple in Singapore. Founded in 1827, it is located in the lively Chinatown district, visited every day by thousands of pilgrims and visitors. Built in authentic Dravidian style, the temple is visible from afar with a large gopuram decorated with beautiful brightly colored sculptures of characters and deities from Hindu mythology. Dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, who is believed to protect her devotees from diseases, the temple holds immense religious significance in the hearts of Singapore's Hindu and Tamil residents.
Sri Mariamman Temple built during n colonial times in Singapore, it was the only temple authorized to perform Hindu weddings. Even today, traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies take place in the temple. Since its founding, the temple has also provided food and shelter to many immigrants until they found work and housing. Even today, the temple contributes significantly to the social, cultural and educational motivations of the Hindu community in the country.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Located in the heart of Little India, on the busy Serangoon Road, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is another of India's revered Hindu temples. Singapore. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, destroyer of evil, is one of the oldest places of worship in the country. It was built by a group of workers who migrated to Singapore in 1881 from the Indian regions of Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The temple's architectural style pays homage to the distinctive architecture of South India and adorns the spectacular gopuram, covered in brightly colored sculptures depicting legendary Hindu figures. It will take your breath away just looking at it!
Those who wish to seek the blessings of the goddess can visit the temple at any time of the day except between 1 p.m. :00. and 1.00pm and 5.00pm Photography is permitted inside the monastery, but be careful not to disturb anyone praying and follow the rules: remove your shoes and dress modestly before entering the monastery.
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Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
The “Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple” is another important Hindu temple in Singapore. The temple, dedicated to Lord Perumal (Krishna), the personification of Lord Vishnu, was built in 1855 and represents a Dravidian architectural style. Today, the temple serves as the main venue for the annual Thaipusam festival honoring the Hindu god Murugan. During the event, zealous devotees with metal spikes on their cheeks or tongues and kavadis decorated with peacock feathers and flowers on their shoulders lead a huge procession carrying Lord Murugan's chariot.
The festival ending at the "Thendayuthapani Temple" on Tank Road, which often blocks traffic in Singapore and offers a magnificent sight to every passerby. If you find yourself in Singapore during the festival, visit the temple and experience the unique Hindu customs and traditions.
Sri Murugan Hill Temple
Another famous Murugan shrine known as "Sri Murugan Hill Temple" is located on Upper Bukit Timah Road in Singapore. As you pass by, the magnificent and colorful architecture of the temple located on a small hill will steal your heart. The history of the temple begins around 1960 when a plumber working in the area discovered a humble shrine like that of Lord Muneeswaran on the hill. Today the temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Singapore. The hilltop location, popular with locals and visitors, adds charm to the landscape.
There will be a lot to do in Singapore: a visit to the “Sri Murugan Hill” temple » is a valuable addition to this list.
Buddha Temple Tooth Relic
Buddha The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a Chinese Buddhist temple located in the historic Chinatown district of Singapore. The five-storied temple is known worldwide as it supposedly houses the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha, recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India.
This relic is housed in a gigantic stupa of 320 kg of solid gold shining on the fourth floor. The main attraction of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore is its style and structure, which have been carefully designed to imitate the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist mandala.
Sri Sivan Temple
The “Sri Sivan Temple” in the Geylang area of Singapore is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the best Hindu temples in the country. Temple with a magnificent octagonal building representing a combination of North and South Indian design elements. This temple in Singapore holds immense religious significance in the hearts of all Hindus living in the country and every day hundreds of devotees gather here to offer their prayers and seek blessings from God. Apart from Singaporeans, the temple is a popular destination for foreign tourists who want to learn more about the beliefs and traditions of Hinduism.
Those seeking an unforgettable experience at the Sivan temple should come during the Maha Shivratri celebration, when the temple is bathed in the light of hundreds of lamps and filled with devotees waiting to bathe the precious Shivlinga in milk. . During the festival, various cultural programs will be held on the temple premises throughout the night, providing an unprecedented opportunity for entertainment to photography enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing new cultures.
Sri Krishan Temple
The magnificent “Sri Krishnan Temple ” is located on Waterloo Street in central Singapore and has a blue facade decorated with statues of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Two majestic statues of Lord Hanuman and Garuda stand guard on both sides of the entrance gate. Built in traditional South Indian style, Sri Krishnan Temple is Singapore's only temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, Goddess Rukmini. If you find yourself in Singapore during Krishna Janmashtmi, stop by this temple to witness the excitement and vitality that fills the air.
Sri Ramar Temple
The “Sri Ramar Temple” is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located on Changi Village Road, on the east coast of Singapore. It is one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in Singapore and attracts large numbers of devotees every day, especially from the nearby districts of Tampines, Pasir Ris and Simei. Coming back to the history of the temple, it was originally a small shrine with the deity of Lord Rama under the shade of a tree at its current location. Hindus from local villages began to visit the shrine regularly to pray and make donations, and as the community grew, Mr Ram Naidu, then an officer in the British Indian Army, worked to transform the modest shrine into a more formal. conversion.
Today the temple contains not only the idol of Lord Rama, but also sculptures of Lord Buddha and Quan Yin (Chinese goddess of mercy), intended for non-Hindu devotees who come here seeking blessings. Of God. . The main attraction of the temple is a large and imposing statue of Lord Hanuman, which surprises with its colossal size. If you are in the Changi village area during the Ram Navami or Hanuman Jayanti festivals, take time to visit this magnificent place and immerse your soul in complete solitude and tranquility.
Also , temples of Singapore: There is much more to explore across the country in your Singapore holiday packages, which you can explore at your own time and interests. Also, when visiting a Hindu temple, make sure to follow some rules such as: for example, taking off your shoes before entering the shrine and dressing appropriately (although Singaporeans are generally quite open-minded to all types of clothing). Photography is generally allowed in temples, but it's always a good idea to check the rules. Considering these small factors, you can have a great day exploring the country's beautiful Hindu temples.