February 23, 2020

3433 SINGAPORE (Central Region) - Sri Mariamman Temple


The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. Mariamman is a rural South Indian mother goddess who is especially worshipped for protection against diseases. Located in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves the majority Hindu Singaporeans, Tamilians, in the city-state. It was founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, eight years after the East India Company established a trading settlement in Singapore.

The original three-tiered gopuram (entrance tower) was constructed in 1903. It was slimmer and less richly embellished than the current tower. The present six-tiered gopuram was built in 1925, being repaired and restored with an elaborate proliferation of sculptures in the 1960s. More recent works include the addition of a new elevated viewing gallery which is especially popular with spectators during the annual timiti (firewalking) festival. Another major addition is a three-storey annexe building sited to the rear of the temple.

About the stamp
The stamp is part of the series designed by Eric Kong and  issued on November 22, 2013, to mark The 50th Anniversary of Television Broadcasting in Singapore.

References

Sender: Pumipat
Sent from Singapore, on 11.02.2020
Photo: Albert Lam

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