Visiting Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple is probably a site Pris and I should have blogged about long ago, as not only it is one of the most popular sites for tourists in Singapore, but it's also about a thirty second walk from my office. Although I've had the chance to walk past this amazing temple twice a day, five times a week for almost a year now, I've never bothered taking the time to really appreciate it until this week.

 (even the entrance is gorgeous)

Fortunately, with our trip to Ohio only about a week away now, Pris and I happened to stop at Chinatown outside of work hours to finish off a little shopping for family and friends. While we were there we thought it might be worthwhile to spend a bit of time inside the temple, definitely one of our better stops!

(it's really okay to enter! don't be one of the dozens of tourists milling around outside without daring to step in, they don't bite!) 

This is actually the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, and since it became a National Monument in 1973 it's also been one of the most visited sites in the country. The temple itself is open to all, no matter your religion, but everyone is required to follow the Hindu ritual of removing their shoes before entering as a sign of respect. As there is no storage or check in for shoes, they will be left outside the temple entrance, so do make sure you aren't wearing your favorite pair, just in case. Photography and videography is allowed for a small fee (3 SGD for a camera, 6 SGD for video), and it would be well worth your time to purchase the ticket.

 (this is the ticket you get allowing you to take pictures)

As soon as you enter, you are surrounded by beautiful colors and paintings, statues and religious articles. Take all the pictures you'd like, but do be sure you don't pass the ropes sectioning off the area only for those offering prayers.

(we picked a good time, i think we were the only ones taking pics in the temple while visiting)

 The entire ceiling is covered with paintings of Hindu deities. While some of the pictures are definitely a little out of the ordinary, the colors they use are very eye grabbing. The temple is very well maintained as well, you're not likely to come across any faded statues or paintings here.

(you'll need to see these in person to really appreciate them, they're a thousand times more gorgeous when you're staring up at them)

After you've had your fill in the inner part of the temple, you're also free to explore the courtyard. There is a metal gate at the side of the courtyard most tourists stop at and take their pictures from, but I promise you'll get better shots and a much better experience by just going in. The courtyard is surrounded by colorful statues of yet more deities. 

 (as much as i enjoyed the temple, i'm afraid i couldn't name any of these beauties)

  (full view of the courtyard)

If you time yourself properly, you may get lucky enough to wander in during prayer time, as we did. I'd highly recommend stopping in during those times for a chance to see a few traditional outfits and rituals.

 (these guys were part of the ceremony, and nice enough to give us permission to snap a few shots!)

Chinatown overall is a hotspot for temples and other interesting sites in Singapore we'll likely be posting more of soon, but Sri Mariamman Temple in particular is one stop you don't want to miss.

 (if nothing else, it's worth the trip to get a picture of this one. she really wants you to visit)