Sri Mariamman Temple

The Basics

Walking tours of Chinatown are certain to include a photo stop at the Sri Mariamman Temple and many tours also include a temple visit. The temple interiors are just as lavishly decorated and visiting with a guide provides insight into the unique Dravidian architecture, each element of which is inspired by Hindu mythology. Step inside the main prayer hall, a shrine to the goddess Mariamman; discover the shrines of Draupadi, Shiva, and Ganesh, among others; or visit in the evening hours to experience one of the traditional Hindu prayer ceremonies.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Admission to the temple is free, but visitors are asked to make a donation if they want to take photos.
• The temple is a place of worship and visitors must cover their arms and legs to enter. Shawls and cover-ups are provided at the entrance. Shoes must also be left outside.
• The temple interiors are not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Sri Mariamman Temple is located at the heart of Chinatown and is easily reached on foot from downtown Singapore. The closest subway station is Chinatown (Downtown and North East lines), just a 2-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The temple is open daily from 7am to 10am, and 6pm to 8.45pm. Prayer ceremonies are held in the evening and can draw sizable crowds; the quietest time to visit is on a weekday morning. Sri Mariamman is famous for its annual fire walking ceremony, held between mid-October and mid-November, just before Deepavali (Festival of Lights).

A Walking Tour of Singapore’s Chinatown

Vibrant, bustling, and rich with tradition—Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most enchanting neighborhoods. Join a walking tour to lose yourself amid the maze-like laneways, stopping to peek into the traditional shophouses, tuck into tasty street food along Smith Street, or browse the stalls at the Chinatown Night Market. Additional highlights include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, the Chinatown Heritage Centre, and the Thian Hock Keng Temple, while an evening trishaw ride is a fun way to soak up the atmosphere after dark.