Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Sri Veeramakaliamman began as a shrine in 1855 and was built up as a temple in 1881 by Bengali labourers working the lime kilns of the area, dedicated to Kali in her fierce aspect, and it has been rebuilt several times since, most recently with craftsmen brought from India. The interior is dense with painted sculpture, and the central image of Kali with Ganesha and Murugan beside her is treated with a devotional intensity that makes this the busiest temple in Little India at evening prayer.

History

The temple, earlier known as Soonambu Kambam Kovil, began in 1855 as a shrine to the goddesses Kali and Parvati and was built up as a temple by Bengali labourers in 1881 (Wikipedia, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple).

What to look for

• The Kali shrine - the goddess in her fierce aspect with Ganesha and Murugan.
• The painted sculpture - dense figurative work covering the interior and gopuram.
• The evening prayer - the temple at its busiest, with drums and bells.
• The Little India setting - the temple at the centre of the quarter's life.

When to go

Year round; the temple keeps daily hours with a midday closure. Evening prayer around seven is when it is most alive. Deepavali fills the whole quarter.

Before you go

Shoes must be removed and dress rules apply. Photography inside is restricted. It is a working temple, crowded and loud at prayer times, and visitors should keep out of the way.

Nearby

Tekka Centre is nearby, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal is up Serangoon Road.

Key facts