Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

Sri Srinivasa Perumal was founded in 1855 and dedicated to Vishnu as Perumal, and its five-tier gopuram of about twenty metres, added in 1966, carries figures of Vishnu's ten avatars. Its significance beyond the daily is the starting point of Thaipusam: on the festival day devotees assemble here before walking some four kilometres carrying kavadi, decorated frames often attached to the body with hooks and skewers, to Sri Thendayuthapani in River Valley.

History

The temple's land was bought from the East India Company in 1851, and the temple, built by early Tamil-speaking settlers and first called Sri Narasimha Perumal Temple, was finished in 1855. A wedding hall was opened on 19 June 1965 by Singapore's first president, Yusof Ishak, and the 20-metre, five-tier gopuram followed in 1966 at a cost of S$300,000, the gift of P. Govindasamy Pillai, one of the earliest Indian migrants to Singapore. On the advice of elders the main deity was later changed from Narasimha to Srinivasa Perumal, giving the temple its present name, and on 10 November 1978 it became a national monument (Wikipedia, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple).

Background

Early Indian settlers who spoke Tamil built the temple. Its land was bought from the East India Company in 1851, and the building was finished in 1855. The five-tier gopuram, 20 metres tall, was added in 1966 for S$300,000, donated by P. Govindasamy Pillai, who was among the first Indian migrants to Singapore. A wedding hall opened on 19 June 1965. It has been a gazetted national monument since 10 November 1978. A colourful circular pattern of the nine planets fills the ceiling. The temple stands at 397 Serangoon Road, in Little India within the Kallang planning area.

Source: Wikipedia, "Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple"

What's there

• The gopuram - a five-tier tower carrying Vishnu's ten avatars.
• The Thaipusam start - the assembly point for the kavadi procession.
• The Perumal shrine - the main sanctum with Vishnu at its centre.
• The temple tank - the water and grounds within the walled compound.

When to go

Year round; the temple keeps daily hours with a midday closure. Thaipusam falls in January or February and is the year's central event. Mornings are quietest.

Practical notes

Thaipusam involves body piercing and the sight distresses some visitors; it is a religious observance and photography needs care. Shoes must be removed and dress rules apply. The temple is crowded at prayer times.

Nearby

Sri Veeramakaliamman is down Serangoon Road, and Tekka is south.

Key facts