- Address: 141 Serangun Road, Little India, Singapore
- Phone: +65 629 346 34
- Website: http://www.sriveeramakaliamman.com/
- Date of construction: 1881 year
- Confession: Hinduism
The Shri Veeramakaliamman Temple (translated from Tamil as "Cali the Undaunted") is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and is located in the southern part of Singapore in the heart of the colorful Malaya India region . At one time it was built by immigrants from Bengal and is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is very revered by them, who, according to legend, adored cruel sacrifices and was the wife of Lord Shiva.
What is a temple?
The main decoration of the temple is the majestic statue of Kali, which is traditionally depicted with many hands and feet. At the same time, it looks very frightening because of the weapons that the goddess holds in each hand, the garlands of skulls as a necklace, a belt consisting of severed hands, and horrendous fangs. Around her large black statue are sculptures of the sons of Kali-Ganesha (the god with an elephant's head) and Skanda (the baby-god who rides a peacock).
If you are planning to visit this landmark, remember that on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are sacred days, in the temple of Sri Veeramakaliamman is especially crowded. Therefore, lovers of solitude should choose a different time for inspection.
The temple is open for free visits from 8.00 to 12.30 and from 16.00 to 20.30. It is unlikely that you will see there the bloody rituals practiced by the worshipers of the goddess in the past: modern Singaporeans bring to Kali only saris and fruits. The interior of the temple impresses with its peaceableness: it is dominated by images of the lotus flower, symbolizing beauty and life. Attention of tourists in Sri Veeramakaliamman is sure to attract the Gopuram tower 18 m high. It is richly decorated, including numerous images of the deity, which have great artistic value.
Rules for visiting the temple
The entrance to the temple is decorated with numerous bells, to which believers must call before praying. The rules of conduct in it are very simple:
- You need to take off your shoes and be sure to give alms to the blessed who sit on the street near the entrance to the temple.
- Refrain from smoking, eating and drinking alcohol.
- Do not talk loudly, refrain from laughing and talking to other visitors: remember that you are in a sacred place.
- Do not touch religious objects and sacred statues, as well as the priests themselves.
- Do not sit with your back or feet to the altar and do not stretch your legs while resting.
- Women during the month are strictly prohibited from entering the temple.
If you observe all these traditions, the inspection of Sri Veeramakaliyamman will remain in your memory one of the most pleasant impressions.
How to get there?
You can reach this religious institution by public transport , after walking a few minutes from the Little India subway station on the NE7 branch, or take the 857, 23, 147, 64, 139, 65, 131, 67, 66 buses departing from the Broadway Hotel station . Not far from the temple there are many inexpensive cafes with local cuisine and budget hotels: ABC Hostel, 81 Lavender, 60s Hostel, 2RIZ Downtown Backpackers Hostel and other hotels.
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