Sri Mariamman Temple Facelift

The Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge Road is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. The original wood and attap temple was built around 1827 by an Indian pioneer. The temple under went reconstruction between the period of 1862-1863. It was later replaced with the current brick structure and completed in 1943 by Indian convicted labourers. In the early days, the temple also served as Registry of Marriages for Hindus.

Well, you may wonder there are so many Hindu Temples in Singapore and why am I so fascinated in this particular Temple? Firstly, it is the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore. It was built more than hundred years ago, way before my grand-parents and parents were born! Secondly, it was the temple where my best friend, Shaun and his wife Emily, held their wedding ceremony. If I remembered correctly, Shaun’s parents also held their wedding ceremony in the same temple. Thirdly, the temple is a famous landmark that sits in the heart of Chinatown! Can you image, the surrounding streets were all Chinese residents and in the middle of nowhere there is a Hindu Temple? Perhaps this is uniquely Singapore! Lastly, I walked pass this temple at least once week to Temple Street for my vegetarian food.

Recently, the Temple went through months of facelift, starting from late last year. When I walked past the Temple two weeks ago the main door was still closed for renovation. I finally get to enter the temple on Thursday to take some pictures. The new paint works on the statues and ceilings are brilliant! If you stare long enough at the painting, especially through the magnification of the camera’s zoom lens, the murals on the ceiling almost seem to come alive! It is like the Michelangelo’s creation in Singapore!

Here are some photos I took last Thursday. My pictures may not be the best justification for the beautiful paintings. If you have some spare times, you should visit the Temple personally to enjoy the beautiful paintings!