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Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore
2002 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319260, Singapore
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple began as a shrine housed within a Chettiar bungalow in Sri Rangoon Road in 1872 and moved to Toa Payoh in 1982; after a S$9 million redevelopment it reopened in 2014 as a fortress-like sanctum honouring Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman, Vairavar, and Kali’s fierce retinue through towering stucco guardians, alternating crimson-white façade stripes, and a granite-clad mandapa crowned by a 20-metre gopuram ([1][2]). The temple opens 7:00 AM-12:00 PM and 6:00 PM-9:30 PM, with elaborate homa for Vairavar, Rahu-Ketu, and Navagraha performed weekly, while Vaigasi Visakam, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Sivarathiri, and Panguni Uthiram festivals feature kavadi, urumi drumming, and cultural programmes. Worshippers access education and welfare services—including annadhanam, Tamil/Bharatanatyam/Carnatic classes, yoga, counselling, and seniors’ clubs—within a six-storey complex housing classrooms, hostel rooms, a heritage gallery, and multi-purpose halls. The temple works with the Hindu Endowments Board, People’s Association, and grassroots organisations to support migrant worker outreach, medical screenings, blood drives, and environmental campaigns. A central courtyard with sacred neem and bilva trees, rooftop meditation decks, and VRF air-conditioning underscores the integration of Dravidian sacred geometry with Singaporean urban design. The temple employs CCTV, BMS, and safe-entry protocols to steward large festivals and now doubles as a community resilience hub for Toa Payoh residents ([1][3]).
Year Built
1872 CE
Period
Colonial Period
Architectural Style
Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs
Built By
Chettiar Trustees and Tamil Community
Material Used
Granite, Reinforced Concrete, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Stucco, Copper Kalashas, Teak Timber, Glass Curtainwall
Heritage Status
Recognised community landmark within Toa Payoh Planning Area
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore
overview
Overview data: 94% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple began as a shrine housed within a Chettiar bungalow in Sri Rangoon Road in 1872 and moved to Toa Payoh in 1982; after a S$9 million redevelopment it reopened in 2014 as a fortress-like sanctum honouring Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman, Vairavar, and Kali’s fierce retinue through towering stucco guardians, alternating crimson-white façade stripes, and a granite-clad mandapa crowned by a 20-metre gopuram ([1][2]). The temple opens 7:00 AM-12:00 PM and 6:00 PM-9:30 PM, with elaborate homa for Vairavar, Rahu-Ketu, and Navagraha performed weekly, while Vaigasi Visakam, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Sivarathiri, and Panguni Uthiram festivals feature kavadi, urumi drumming, and cultural programmes. Worshippers access education and welfare services—including annadhanam, Tamil/Bharatanatyam/Carnatic classes, yoga, counselling, and seniors’ clubs—within a six-storey complex housing classrooms, hostel rooms, a heritage gallery, and multi-purpose halls. The temple works with the Hindu Endowments Board, People’s Association, and grassroots organisations to support migrant worker outreach, medical screenings, blood drives, and environmental campaigns. A central courtyard with sacred neem and bilva trees, rooftop meditation decks, and VRF air-conditioning underscores the integration of Dravidian sacred geometry with Singaporean urban design. The temple employs CCTV, BMS, and safe-entry protocols to steward large festivals and now doubles as a community resilience hub for Toa Payoh residents ([1][3]).
Location
2002 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319260, Singapore(Singapore)
Year Built
1872 CE
Heritage Status
Recognised community landmark within Toa Payoh Planning Area
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Daily 7:00 AM-12:00 PM & 6:00 PM-9:30 PM; guided tours Sundays 4:30 PM (booking required); cultural centre open 9:00 AM-10:00 PM; annadhanam daily 12:30 PM ([1][3]).
Entry Fee
Entry free; guided tour donation S$12; hall hire rates through temple office; special puja from S$58; limited on-site parking ([1]).
Citation References
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman TempleAccessed 2025-11-09
Roots.sg: Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple
National Heritage Board SingaporeAccessed 2025-11-09
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Redevelopment Report
Hindu Endowments BoardAccessed 2025-11-09
Heritage Status
Recognised community landmark within Toa Payoh Planning Area
Preservation Status
Excellent; 2023 Hindu Endowments Board report confirms structural robustness, conserved iconography, and reliable MEP systems; minor cyclical repainting scheduled ([3]).
Historical Context
Temple founded 1872 in Sri Rangoon Road; rebuilt 1930; relocated to Balestier (1943) and Toa Payoh (1982); major redevelopment 2010-2014 delivered the current multi-storey complex with heritage gallery and welfare facilities; temple has provided wartime refuge, pandemic support, and interfaith outreach throughout its history ([1][2]).
Architectural Details
Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs
Colonial Period
Built by
Chettiar Trustees and Tamil Community
Materials
Granite, Reinforced Concrete, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Stucco, Copper Kalashas, Teak Timber, Glass Curtainwall
Dimensions
Height20m
Width38m
Length72m
Area6200m²
Location Map
Featured Images
Restoration Work
Significant works: 1930 renovation, 1982 relocation and rebuild, 2010-2014 comprehensive redevelopment, 2020 LED/BMS upgrade, 2022 accessibility enhancements ([1][3]).
Patronage
Hindu Endowments Board Singapore & Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Trust
Construction Technique
The original house-shrine evolved through incremental additions before the 2010-2014 redevelopment that produced a reinforced concrete frame clad in granite, lime plaster, and stucco iconography, with a steel-core gopuram housing over 5,000 sculpted figures ([1][2]). Granite pillars, teak doors, and stucco deities were hand-carved in Tamil Nadu and installed via stainless dowels; the six-storey annex utilises reinforced concrete, composite slabs, and glass curtainwalls to create multi-purpose halls while the mandapa and sanctum maintain traditional forms. Mechanical systems include chilled water HVAC, smart lighting, and concealed ducts beneath granite floors; double-glazed windows, acoustic treatment, and vibration isolation support cultural performances without compromising temple ambience ([3]).
Architectural Influences
3 items
Building Techniques
Craftsmanship includes granite sculpting, lime plaster conservation, modular gopuram erection, stainless anchoring for stucco, concealed MEP integration, and BMS monitoring of temperature, humidity, crowd flow, and safety systems. 3D modelling and laser scanning document iconography for future conservation ([1][3]).
Coordinates
1.338600, 103.850700
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Security screening during major festivals; modest attire required; photography restricted in sanctum; shoes removed before mandapa entry ([1][3])","restrooms":"Accessible restrooms, ablution facilities, baby-care rooms on multiple levels; showers for festival staff ([3])","wheelchair_accessible":"Step-free entrance, lifts to every floor, tactile signage, hearing loops in halls, priority seating for elders and mobility-assisted devotees ([3])"}
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
Visit weekday mornings for serene darshan and heritage gallery tours, or evenings during Navaratri and Panguni Uthiram when urumi drums, kavadis, and cultural concerts enliven Toa Payoh ([1][2]).
Seasonal Events
8 items
Visitor Restrictions
Dress modestly; remove footwear before entering halls; refrain from photography in sanctum; follow volunteer marshals during kavadi processions ([1][2]).
View Count
1
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created At
2025-11-09T07:38:33.09748+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-09T12:43:49.961+00:00
Quick Overview
📅
Built InColonial Period
📍
LocationSingapore
🏛️
StyleContemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs
🏆
StatusProtected Heritage
What is Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore?
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore is a historic Temple located in Singapore, Singapore. This Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs architectural masterpiece was built during the Colonial Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Singapore. Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple began as a shrine housed within a Chettiar bungalow in Sri Rangoon Road in 1872 and moved to Toa Payoh in 1982; after a S$9 million redevelopment it reopened in 2014 a...
Category:
TempleLocation:
2002 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319260, Singapore, SingaporePeriod:
Colonial PeriodStyle:
Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress MotifsKey Features of Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore
- 1Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using Granite, Reinforced Concrete, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Stucco, Copper Kalashas, Teak Timber, Glass Curtainwall, showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using The original house-shrine evolved through incremental additions before the 2010-2014 redevelopment that produced a reinforced concrete frame clad in granite, lime plaster, and stucco iconography, with a steel-core gopuram housing over 5,000 sculpted figures ([1][2]). Granite pillars, teak doors, and stucco deities were hand-carved in Tamil Nadu and installed via stainless dowels; the six-storey annex utilises reinforced concrete, composite slabs, and glass curtainwalls to create multi-purpose halls while the mandapa and sanctum maintain traditional forms. Mechanical systems include chilled water HVAC, smart lighting, and concealed ducts beneath granite floors; double-glazed windows, acoustic treatment, and vibration isolation support cultural performances without compromising temple ambience ([3]). construction methods
- 4Recognised community landmark within Toa Payoh Planning Area providing legal protection
- 5Commissioned by Chettiar Trustees and Tamil Community, reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Condition remains excellent with rigorous maintenance, conservation oversight, and volunteer stewardship ensuring resilience to high usage and tropical climate ([3]).
Architectural Features
- 1Pyramidal tower (Vimana) with intricate sculptural decoration
- 2Rectangular sanctum (Garbhagriha) housing the main deity
- 3Columned halls (Mandapa) for congregation and rituals
- 4Ornate gateway (Gopuram) with carved figures
What Makes Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore Special?
- 1Exceptional example of Contemporary Dravidian Temple Architecture with Fortress Motifs architecture
- 2Royal patronage by Chettiar Trustees and Tamil Community, reflecting historical significance
- 3Temple preserves Kali worship traditions, Chettiar philanthropy, and diaspora heritage, serving as a cultural gateway between Little India and Toa Payoh with extensive social services ([1][2][3]).
Visitor Information
How to Visit Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore
| S$Entry Fee | Entry free; guided tour donation S$12; hall hire rates through temple office; special puja from S$58; limited on-site parking ([1]). |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Complete Visitor Guide
How to Visit Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore is located in 2002 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319260, Singapore, Singapore. The nearest major city is 2002 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 1.3386, 103.8507.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: Entry free; guided tour donation S$12; hall hire rates through temple office; special puja from S$58; limited on-site parking ([1]).. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
- 4
Explore the Site
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Historical Timeline
Key Historical Events
Colonial Period
Construction of Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore by Chettiar Trustees and Tamil Community
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Recognised community landmark within Toa Payoh Planning Area
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation