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1881 CE
Period
Colonial Period
Architectural Style
Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Granitic Gopuram
Built By
Tamil Migrant Workers and Chettiar Community
Material Used
Granite, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Stucco, Copper Kalashas, Teak Timber, Ceramic Tile
Heritage Status
Conserved Monument within Little India Conservation Area (Urban Redevelopment Authority)
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was founded in 1881 by Tamil labourers and is Little India’s earliest Kali worship centre, presiding over Serangoon Road with an 18-metre rajagopuram bearing 600 hand-painted stucco deities that narrate the goddess’s legends and Singapore’s migrant heritage ([1][2]). Daily puja commences at 5:30 AM with suprabhatam and concludes with 9:00 PM arthajama arti; devotees flow through granite-lined corridors past sanctums for Kaliamman, Thandayuthapani, Nataraja, Ganesha, Bairavar, Bhairavi, and Navagraha, while the annadhanam hall serves vegetarian meals to workers, seniors, and low-income families. The temple’s marriage hall hosts up to 200 ceremonies annually, and classrooms nurture Tamil literacy, Carnatic music, and Bharatanatyam under the Sri Veeramakaliamman Educational and Cultural Programme. The temple is the staging ground for Aadi Thiruvizha, Navaratri Kolu, Theertham, and the goddess’s chariot procession during Deepavali, events that draw tens of thousands and require extensive volunteer marshals, safe entry systems, and collaboration with the Hindu Endowments Board, Land Transport Authority, and Singapore Police Force. During crises—from World War II air raids to SARS and COVID-19—the temple has offered refuge, meals, and vaccination outreach, sustaining its role as both a devotional abode and a civic safety net for Little India ([1][3]).
Established in 1881, redeveloped with granite sanctum (1908), gopuram (1933), marriage hall (1950), concrete mandapa (1970s), and a major conservation-driven rebuild culminating in kumbhabhishekam on 21 February 2016. The temple has witnessed Japanese bombing raids, communal solidarity during post-war rebuilding, and transformation into a key landmark within the Little India Heritage Trail ([1][2]).




2014-2016 major redevelopment refreshed gopuram, sanctum, marriage halls, classrooms, and MEP systems; earlier restorations in 1933, 1950, 1986, and 1999 addressed structural, decorative, and facility upgrades ([1][3]).
Hindu Endowments Board Singapore
The original attap shrine evolved through multiple campaigns: 1908 granite sanctum installed by Chettiar patrons; 1933 gopuram erected by sthapathis from Tamil Nadu; 1970s concrete mandapa with ceramic tile murals; and the 2014-2016 redevelopment that rebuilt the temple with granite floors, new steel-frame gopuram, and seismic-resistant sanctum while retaining historic iconography ([1][2]). The current complex utilises reinforced concrete columns clad in granite, loadbearing brick walls finished in lime plaster, and timber-and-steel roof assemblies supporting clay tiles. Prefabricated granite doorframes, stucco figurines, and teak balustrades were carved in India and installed on stainless-steel anchors. The gopuram comprises mild steel latticework sheathed in fibre-reinforced stucco, allowing artisans to renew sculptures without disturbing the structural core. Modern MEP systems thread through underfloor ducts to deliver air-conditioning to classrooms, UV-treated water to sanctums, and LED relighting across the mandapa while preserving the historic ambience ([1][3]).
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Craft techniques include sthapati-carved stucco ensembles, limewash conservation, stainless dowels for granite jambs, modular scaffolding for gopuram work, concealed MEP integration beneath granite flooring, and prefabricated timber ceiling coffers painted with iconography reinstalled after each rejuvenation cycle ([1][3]).
1.307800, 103.853500
{"notes":"Security checks during major festivals; limited wheelchair access to sanctum; modest attire required; photography restricted within garbhagriha ([1][3])","restrooms":"Accessible restrooms and ablution facilities on ground floor; baby-care room near marriage hall ([3])","wheelchair_accessible":"Partial step-free access via side entrance; lift to classrooms; volunteers assist mobility-impaired devotees ([3])"}
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Visit weekday mornings for tranquil darshan, heritage tours, and annadhanam preparation; evenings during Navaratri or Deepavali offer the most vibrant cultural experience with kolam, bhajan, and light displays ([1][2]).
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Wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees; remove footwear before entry; refrain from photography in sanctum; follow volunteer instructions during kavadi and chariot processions ([1][2]).
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2025-11-09T07:32:37.157267+00:00
2025-11-09T12:44:52.21+00:00
Colonial Period
Singapore
Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Granitic Gopuram
Protected Heritage
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Singapore is a historic Temple located in Singapore, Singapore. This Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Granitic Gopuram architectural masterpiece was built during the Colonial Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Singapore. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was founded in 1881 by Tamil labourers and is Little India’s earliest Kali worship centre, presiding over Serangoon Road with an 18-metre rajagopuram bearing 600 hand-paint...
| S$Entry Fee | Entry free; guided tours donation S$10; marriage hall rental via HEB; special puja/abhishekam bookings from S$55; parking off-site ([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) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Singapore. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Singapore is located in 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042, Singapore, Singapore. The nearest major city is 141 Serangoon Road. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 1.3078, 103.8535.
Entry fee: Entry free; guided tours donation S$10; marriage hall rental via HEB; special puja/abhishekam bookings from S$55; parking off-site ([1]).. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Singapore. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Singapore by Tamil Migrant Workers and Chettiar Community
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Conserved Monument within Little India Conservation Area (Urban Redevelopment Authority)
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation