Sri Thendayuthapani Temple

The Chettiar community, moneylenders from Tamil Nadu, built a temple here from 1859 and rebuilt it in 1983, dedicated to Murugan as Thendayuthapani. The rebuilt hall has an unusual feature: forty-eight glass panels set into the roof at angles calculated to catch the sun at sunrise and sunset. It is the end point of the Thaipusam procession, where the kavadi carriers arrive after walking from Serangoon Road, and the arrival scenes are intense.

History

The Chettiar community built the temple at Tank Road in 1859 for the worship of Lord Muruga; it was rebuilt for S$3.3 million and consecrated on 24 November 1983, made a national monument on 20 October 2014 and renovated in 2022 (Wikipedia, Sri Thendayuthapani Temple).

What to look for

• The glass roof panels - forty-eight panes angled to catch the rising and setting sun.
• The Thaipusam arrival - the end of the kavadi walk from Little India.
• The Murugan shrine - the main sanctum of the Chettiar foundation.
• The carved hall - the 1983 rebuilding with sculpture throughout.

When to go

Year round; the temple keeps daily hours with a midday closure. Thaipusam in January or February is the main event. Sunrise and sunset show the roof panels at their best.

Practical notes

Thaipusam arrivals are intense and emotional; visitors should stay out of the way. Photography inside is restricted. Shoes off and dress rules apply.

Nearby

Fort Canning is east, and Clarke Quay is south.

Key facts