Sri Mariamman Temple

In 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore to establish a British trading post, one of the people who arrived with him was Naraina Pillai — a talented government clerk from the Indian coast. Naraina Pillai became Singapore's first Indian immigrant and, recognizing the spiritual needs of the growing Indian community, established a small shrine to Goddess Mariamman in 1827.

Mariamman is the goddess of protection against epidemic diseases — particularly smallpox, cholera, and plague. In an era when tropical diseases killed far more people than wars, worship of Mariamman was a matter of survival for immigrant communities far from home. The temple became the center of South Indian life in early Singapore.

Over two centuries, the small shrine grew into the magnificent temple that stands today — the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, gazetted as a National Monument. The ornate gopuram (entrance tower) is covered with hundreds of colorful figures of Hindu deities, guardians, and mythological creatures, painstakingly repainted every 12 years.

The most extraordinary event at this temple is the annual Theemithi (fire-walking) festival in October-November. Devotees walk barefoot across a 4-meter pit of burning embers in honor of Draupadi from the Mahabharata, who proved her purity by walking through fire. The festival draws participants from across Southeast Asia and is one of Singapore's most spectacular cultural events.

Established in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, Singapore's first Indian immigrant. Gazetted as a National Monument. The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

Theemithi (fire-walking) festival in October-November. Navaratri is celebrated with nine nights of classical dance and prayer.

Classic Dravidian-style temple with an ornate gopuram covered in hundreds of Hindu deities. Repainted every 12 years by master craftsmen from India.