Singapore is a country of fast-paced, high-tech lifestyles. With state of the art facilities and ultra modern ways of living, Singapore has become a hub of business and commercial activity. Tucked away on South Ridge Road is a building that is leagues away from the tall and domineering skyscrapers that adorn the city. Singapores oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mariamman offers a spot of spirituality and calm from the frenzied pace of the metropolis.
Sri Mariamman Temple is an Agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. It was proclaimed a national monument on the gazette and the magnificent temple structure we see today had a very humble beginning as a wooden structure made to honour the goddess Mariamman. The temple was built for the worship of people from Nagapatnam and Cuddalore in India. Dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman, the temple is located in the heart of Chinatown and has served as a landmark for legions of Hindu worshippers for generations. The temple came into being through the vision of one man, a true visionary and leader, Mr. Naraina Pillai.
The original temple was to be made on Telok Ayer Street but the location was then moved to Stamford Canal. Telok Ayer Street did not have a source of water; water is extremely important in Hindu rituals as idols are continuously bathed as part of ceremonies. Finally, the current site of the temple of South Ridge Road was granted to Mr. Pillai in 1827, from wherein the construction of the holy structure began. The renowned temple we know today had a very humble beginning. It started off as a simple structure made out of wood and attap and in1843, a building made out of plaster and brick went up, serving as a more permanent home to the idol of beloved goddess Mariamman. However, it was not until 1926 that the temple we see today came to be. The architecture and sculptures seen adorning the temple in the present day was a relatively recent addition; many redecoration and renovation projects have taken place to preserve this wondrous Hindu shrine.
It is said that the Goddess Mariamman nourishes and protects all beings. She is referred to as the Divine Mother and she is also associated with rain. The temple pay homage to her, with devotes and pilgrims gathering in hordes. There are many ceremonies held at the temple to honour Thirobathis idol; Thirobathi is thought as a reincarnation of Mariamman. The first consecration ceremony of the temple was held in June 1936. The temple promotes social, cultural and educational activities for all. Serving as a refuge for immigrants on colonial times, the temple is the site of a wondrous act of courage, fire walking. Fire walking is done by devotees as fulfillment of a vow, repentance for sins or for penance. The ceremony draws in a large crowd every October/November.
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