Chettiar Temple (Sri Thendayuthapani Temple)

The basics

Built in 1859, the temple honors Lord Subramaniam, the son of Shiva and god of war and victory. The temple’s colorful facade makes it one of the most popular religious landmarks in Singapore, but non-Hindus are not permitted beyond the front entranceway. Visitors who’d like to learn more about the South Indian community in Singapore can take a food or cultural walking tour of the colorful Little India neighborhood.

Things to know before you go

• Remember to dress modestly and remain silent when inside, as this is an active place of worship.

• You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the temple, so wear or bring a pair of socks.

• The temple is free to enter, but donations are appreciated.

How to get there

The temple is across the road from Fort Canning Park. To get there by public transportation, take a Mass Rapid Transit train to Dhoby Gaut Station and walk south for about 10 minutes. Several local buses also stop nearby.

When to get there

The temple can get very busy with worshipers on the weekends, so plan your visit on a weekday for the best experience.

Thaipusam Festival

Each January or February, during the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, Chettiar Temple hosts the Thaipusam Festival. On this day, worshipers honoring Subramaniam shave their heads and make a pilgrimage to the temple carrying various offerings and often displaying intricate piercings or skewers through the skin all over their bodies—a symbol of their dedication.