Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple (founded 1827), built in Dravidian architectural style with a five-tiered gopuram (tower gateway) decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities, located at 244 South Bridge Road in Chinatown, Singapore. This guide covers opening hours, admission fees, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting this National Monument and active place of worship.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 07:00-12:00 and 18:00-21:00 (hours may vary during festivals). |
| Admission | Free entry. |
| Address | 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793 |
| Getting there | Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19), Exit A, 2-minute walk. Maxwell MRT Station (TE18) also nearby. |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour for thorough visit. Allow additional time during prayer ceremonies. |
Sri Mariamman Temple opening hours
The temple operates daily with two sessions:
- Morning session: 07:00 to 12:00
- Evening session: 18:00 to 21:00
The temple is closed between 12:00 and 18:00 daily.
Operating hours may vary during special events and festivals. During major Hindu festivals like Theemithi (fire-walking festival, held in October or November) and Navarathri (nine-night festival honouring the goddess), the temple may have extended hours or modified schedules.
Prayer ceremonies (puja) are held in the evening and are open to all visitors, offering insight into Hindu devotional practices. Evening sessions tend to be busier due to prayer ceremonies and the arrival of devotees.
Best visiting times: Weekday mornings (07:00-11:00) are quietest. The temple sees larger crowds during evening prayers and on weekends. Opening hours and admission information were checked and updated January 2026.
Five great things to do while you’re in Singapore
- Explore Singapore’s landmarks and back streets on a bike tour.
- See Singapore from above from the Sky Deck at Marina Bay Sands.
- Discover the city at night in a private group adventure – including a river cruise.
- Smell the flowers at the National Orchid Garden.
- Take a highly-rated food and culture tour through Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
Sri Mariamman Temple admission and parking
Admission to Sri Mariamman Temple is free for all visitors. Donations are welcome and collection boxes are located within the temple.
No parking facilities exist at the temple itself. The temple is located in Chinatown’s pedestrianised heritage district where parking is limited.
Nearby parking options:
- Chinatown Point: Multi-storey car park at 133 New Bridge Road (5-minute walk)
- Chinatown Complex: Car park at 335 Smith Street
- People’s Park Complex: Car park at 1 Park Road
- URA car parks: Street parking on nearby roads (limited availability)
Parking fees vary by location. Typical costs range from SGD 1-2 per hour. Singapore has an efficient public transport system; taking the MRT is recommended over driving.
How to get to Sri Mariamman Temple
The temple is located at 244 South Bridge Road in the heart of Chinatown, making it highly accessible by public transport.
By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit):
- Chinatown Station (NE4 Northeast Line / DT19 Downtown Line): Take Exit A. The temple is a 2-minute walk (150 metres) along South Bridge Road.
- Maxwell Station (TE18 Thomson-East Coast Line): 5-minute walk to the temple.
- Outram Park Station (NE3/EW16): 10-minute walk via South Bridge Road.
By bus: Multiple bus services stop near the temple including routes 2, 12, 33, 54, 63, 80, 145, 166, 174, 197 and others. Alight at stops along South Bridge Road or New Bridge Road.
On foot: The temple is in Chinatown’s main heritage district, easily reached on foot from most Chinatown attractions. It’s located on the same street as Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (300 metres away).
From Changi Airport (approximately 30 kilometres): Take the MRT from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah, change to the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris, alight at Outram Park, then change to the Downtown or Northeast Line to Chinatown Station. Total journey time approximately 1 hour.
How long to spend at Sri Mariamman Temple
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at Sri Mariamman Temple.
Self-guided visit: 20-30 minutes to view the gopuram, main prayer hall and secondary shrines.
Including prayer observation: 45-60 minutes if attending an evening prayer ceremony (puja).
Photography enthusiasts: 30-45 minutes for photographing the gopuram, interior details and architectural features.
The temple is relatively compact compared to larger temple complexes but offers intricate details that reward careful observation. Visitors combining Sri Mariamman Temple with other Chinatown attractions (Buddha Tooth Relic Temple 300 metres away, Thian Hock Keng Temple 600 metres away) typically allocate 30-45 minutes per temple.
Note: The temple is an active place of worship. During busy prayer times, spending slightly longer allows for a more contemplative experience once crowds thin.
Accessibility at Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple has partial accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments.
Wheelchair access: The temple has ramps at the entrance making the main prayer hall accessible to wheelchair users. However, some areas feature steps that may limit full access throughout the temple complex.
Accessible facilities: Accessible toilets are available.
Steps: The gopuram entrance includes steps. While ramps provide access, some interior areas and elevated platforms within the temple may not be wheelchair accessible.
Temple floor: Visitors must remove shoes before entering (a common practice in Hindu temples). The temple floor is flat and smooth inside the main hall.
Overall, wheelchair users can access the main prayer hall and view key features, though some secondary shrines or elevated areas may have limited accessibility.
What to see at Sri Mariamman Temple
Gopuram (tower gateway): The temple’s most distinctive feature is the towering five-tiered gopuram rising approximately 15 metres above the main entrance on South Bridge Road. Each tier features sculptures of Hindu deities, mythological figures, exotic beasts and ornamental decorations rendered in vibrant colours. The structure tapers towards the top, with each tier slightly smaller than the one below, creating an illusion of greater height. Flanking the gopuram are statues of Murugan (right) and Krishna (left) as visitors enter.
Main prayer hall: The interior features ornate ceiling paintings, elaborate decorations and multiple shrines. The main shrine is dedicated to Sri Mariamman, the Mother Goddess and folk deity associated with curing epidemic diseases and protection from illnesses. She is worshipped as an incarnation of Parvati, wife of Shiva.
Secondary shrines: The temple contains shrines to various Hindu deities including:
- Draupadi: Second most important shrine in the temple. The annual Theemithi (fire-walking) festival honours Draupadi.
- Various deities: Statues and shrines dedicated to different aspects of Hindu worship.
Architectural details: The temple exemplifies Dravidian architectural style typical of South India and Tamil Nadu, reflecting the origins of Singapore’s early Hindu community. Intricate carvings, colourful sculptures and traditional design elements throughout.
Historical significance: Founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, a government clerk from Penang who arrived with Stamford Raffles. The original temple was a simple wood and attap (palm thatch) structure. The current masonry structure dates to the mid-19th century. The temple served as the registry of marriages for Hindus in Singapore; historically, only the Sri Mariamman Temple priest could solemnise Hindu marriages.
National Monument status: Gazetted as a National Monument on 6 July 1973 by the Preservation of Monuments Board.
Kumbhabhishekham ceremony: The temple undergoes major restoration and reconsecration every 12 years in keeping with Hindu tradition. The most recent Kumbhabhishekham was completed in February 2023. Traditional materials and skilled artisans from India were employed to preserve the temple’s vibrant colours and intricate artwork.
Theemithi (fire-walking festival): The temple’s most famous annual event, held between mid-October and mid-November (typically a week before Deepavali/Diwali). Devotees walk barefoot across a 3-metre-long pit of burning coals as an act of faith and devotion. The festival has been held since 1840. An elevated viewing gallery allows spectators to observe the ceremony safely.
Practical tips for visiting Sri Mariamman Temple
| Tip |
|---|
| Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs and shawls are provided at the entrance if needed. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. |
| Remove shoes before entering. Shoe storage is provided at the entrance. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. |
| Visit weekday mornings (07:00-11:00) to avoid crowds. Evening prayers and weekends see more visitors and devotees. |
| Respect prayer times. If visiting during evening puja ceremonies, maintain silence and observe respectfully from designated areas. |
| Ask permission before photographing people, particularly worshippers. Avoid using flash inside the temple. |
| Combine with other Chinatown temples. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (300m), Thian Hock Keng Temple (600m) and Al-Abrar Mosque (200m) are all within walking distance. |
| Plan around festivals. If visiting in October-November, check dates for Theemithi fire-walking festival for a unique cultural experience. |
Frequently asked questions about Sri Mariamman Temple
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a dress code? | Yes. Cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs and shawls are provided if needed. Remove shoes before entering. |
| Can non-Hindus visit the temple? | Yes. The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths. Respectful behaviour and appropriate dress are expected. |
| Is photography allowed? | Yes, with a permit (SGD 3 for photos, SGD 6 for video). Flash photography is not allowed. Ask permission before photographing people. |
| What is the fire-walking festival? | Theemithi, held annually in October-November. Devotees walk barefoot over burning coals honouring the goddess Draupadi. The festival has been held since 1840. |
| Why is a Hindu temple located in Chinatown? | The temple dates to the 1820s when the area was designated for the Indian community. Chinatown’s name came later as the Chinese community grew, but the temple remains from earlier settlement patterns. |
| How long does a visit take? | 30-60 minutes for most visitors. Less time for a quick look, longer if attending prayer ceremonies or photographing details. |
Temple etiquette and customs
Dress code: Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required. Sarongs and shawls are available at the entrance for those not appropriately dressed.
Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering. Leave shoes at the designated storage area.
Behaviour: Maintain quiet and respectful demeanour. Avoid loud conversations, especially during prayer times.
Prayer ceremonies: Visitors may observe puja ceremonies but should not interrupt or disturb worshippers. Stand in designated viewing areas.
Photography: Avoid flash. Do not photograph people without permission.
Temple bells: Ringing bells is part of Hindu worship. Visitors may ring bells at entrances to shrines if they wish to participate respectfully.
Left hand: In Hindu tradition, the left hand is considered unclean. Use the right hand when accepting offerings, gesturing or touching sacred objects.
Things to do near Sri Mariamman Temple
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (300 metres, 5-minute walk) is a Tang dynasty-style Buddhist temple housing a sacred tooth relic. The four-storey complex features ornate halls, Buddhist artefacts, museum exhibits and a rooftop garden.
Thian Hock Keng Temple (600 metres, 8-minute walk on Telok Ayer Street) is Singapore’s oldest Chinese Hokkien temple (built 1842). Dedicated to Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, the temple features traditional southern Chinese architecture with intricate carvings, ceramic decorations and courtyard design.
Chinatown Heritage Centre (200 metres, 3-minute walk on Pagoda Street) recreates 1950s Chinatown life in restored shophouses. Interactive exhibits show living conditions, trades and stories of early Chinese immigrants.
Maxwell Food Centre (200 metres, 4-minute walk) is a hawker centre famous for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Michelin-starred stall). Other popular stalls include congee, laksa and rojak. Budget-friendly meals (SGD 3-8).
Chinatown Street Market (Pagoda Street and Smith Street, adjacent to temple) features souvenir stalls, traditional crafts and Chinese trinkets. Browse colourful shophouses selling clothes, accessories, decorations and gifts.
Nagore Dargah (650 metres, 9-minute walk on Telok Ayer Street) is a National Monument serving Singapore’s Indian Muslim community. The building features Mughal, Indian and European architectural influences. Heritage centre with exhibitions. Free admission.
Ann Siang Hill Park (700 metres, 10-minute walk) offers peaceful greenery and views over Chinatown shophouses. Stairways connect to Club Street’s bars and restaurants. Popular sunset spot.
More Singapore travel
Other Singapore travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Personal recommendations for a short break in Singapore.
- Why Singapore is a perfect introduction to Asia.
- A practical guide to visiting the Changi Museum and Chapel.
- How to visit Singapore’s gory Haw Par Villa.
- Guide to tackling the Changi Boardwalk.
