Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

+6562954538
141 Serangoon Road (subway station Little India)
www.sriveeramakaliamman.com/

How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.

The Hindu Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which stands in the very center of the ethnic quarter Little India, is considered to be one of the oldest and the most beautiful temples in Singapore. The first building here was erected in the middle of the 19th century by Indians who had moved to live and work in the city-state. By that time, the burgeoning Indian community numbered over 13 thousand people who, far away from home, acutely felt the need for a place where they could worship their gods.

The original wooden Hindu temple, which was built in the center of Little India, immediately became the center of Singaporean Indians’ cultural life. Initially it was called the Temple of Lime Village, because of the adjoined shops where lime was burned. In the year 1881, a more modern stone temple was built in place of the wooden one. The Indians of Singapore, who never felt entirely safe in their new foreign home, devoted it to the warlike and terrifying goddess Kali. In Indian mythology, she is identified with dark aspects of the mother-goddess, Shiva’s wife Parvati and is considered to be the protector against all evil. The temple was named Veeramakaliamman, meaning Kali the Fearless, in her honor. This goddess was worshiped particularly fervently by immigrants from Bengal India who, according to one popular folklore, were the builders of the temple’s new shell.

There are infinite images and sculptures of Kali inside the temple, representing her in many different guises. However, mostly she is shown as the goddess-protector, whose neck is adorned with a garland of skuls and holding weapons against evil and wickedness in her hands. On the other hand, the temple features several sculptures, that show Kali as a loving and caring mother with her sons Ganesha and Murugan. Their statues are installed in Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple’s main sanctuary, found near to the black figure of the goddess that was brought to Singapore from South India in 1908. In addition to this, there are many images of the lotus – the symbol of life and beauty – in temple’s interior.

The most notable detail of the Hindu temple is its 18-meter-high gate tower gopura, which was typical of Indian architecture in medieval times. It is decorated with bright sculptures, depicting the goddess Kali in a range of different appearances. The tower was constructed simultaneously with the new building of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, in 1983. Temple’s entrance is adorned with a multitude of little bells. The rule here is to ring them before you cross the threshold of the temple.

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Reviews: 13
Richard

Great location for exploring Little India in Singapore, as the name suggests! But a great little boutique hotel for good prices perhaps with the slight omission of that personal service.

14.10.2023  
0
Онур

Bulunduğum ilk Hindu tapınağıydı. Çok etkiledi. İnsanlar çok misafirperver!

20.11.2018  
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Jenya

Check the timetable before going, it was closed until 4pm on Sunday

23.01.2018  
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David

This temple is devoted to the goddes KALI

04.10.2015  
0
T

ヒンズー寺院は朝から参拝者で賑わって居ます。

04.10.2015  
0
Hoby

Thy share this lunch with anyone want! Try & eat by hand!

08.05.2015  
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Hoby

Very impressive temple. Must visit here & look around backyard at lunch time!

08.05.2015  
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Ratha Katai

Singapore Hindu Temple Architecture. 3̐(̴̴ Sakthi Om My favorite hindu temples.

21.03.2015  
1
Fuyuhiko

Here is one of old temples in Singapore. Current temple is the one rebuilt in 1980's. ANd check this temple's web-site ! So Brilliaaaaaaaaaant !

01.03.2015  
0
Natalya

Считай, что жизнь удалась, если вы посетили индийскую свадьбу! Счастья новобрачным! Долгой и счастливой им совместной жизни! I think that life is interesting , if you have visited Indian wedding!

18.01.2015  
0
Tyler

Very colorful and lively. I had no idea what was going on but cool. Take off your shoes.

12.10.2014  
0
Razy

Rahukaal Durga Puja happens at 3pm every Tuesday. The ladies make special lemon lamps for offerings on this day.

07.05.2013  
1
Pankaj

Receive the blessings of Mother Kali and your lives will be blessed with peace and happiness!!

18.07.2011  
1