Sri Mariamman Temple

The temple was founded by Naraina Pillai, a government clerk from Penang who accompanied Sir Stamford Raffles on his second visit to Singapore in 1819. The South Bridge Road site was granted in 1823, and a wood-and-attap temple stood here by 1827. The oldest parts of the present brick structure date from around 1843, and the original three-tiered gopuram was replaced with the current five-tiered tower in 1925.

The temple has been administered by the Hindu Endowments Board, a statutory body, since 1969, with a management committee overseeing daily affairs. In 1973 it became the first Hindu religious site to be declared a National Monument. Its sanctums honour Sri Mariamman alongside Sri Vinayagar, Sri Subramaniyar and Sri Ramar, reflecting the Shakta, Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.

Although it stands in the heart of Chinatown, the temple is a spiritual home for many of Singapore's Hindus, who come for daily prayers, weddings and festivals. Archanai (personal prayer) services run each morning and evening. Theemithi preparations begin weeks ahead with fasting and prayer by participants, and the festival draws devotees and onlookers from across the island.