14 Must-visit Temples in Singapore

Singapore is an Asian country with a rich multi-cultural history where everyone is free to follow the precept of the religion of their choice. Famous for its beaches, resorts, temples etc. it is the perfect holiday destination for people around the globe. In Singapore, you can find so many magnificent temples related to various faiths and beliefs. If you are travelling to Singapore for the first time, to know more must-visit places you can take help from our Singapore travel guide.

Here is a list of the 14 most famous temples in Singapore that you must include in your travel itinerary.

Shri Mariamman Temple 

With a glorious past and grandeur, this temple is one of the most famous ones in the country. Shri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore dating back to 1827. Built in the classic Dravidian style, this temple features different male and female figures, depicting stories. The main deity is Mariamman, ‘the Goddess of Rain’. This temple houses shrines of Goddess Mariamman and Goddess Draupadi. For local Hindus, especially Tamilians, this temple holds great significance. They celebrate a walk-on-fire ceremony called Theemithi to honour these goddesses as a part of Diwali celebrations. The devotees walk barefoot on blazing coal and pray to get their wishes fulfilled. You can also see shrines of Lord Rama, Murugan, Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha inside the temple.

Wat Ananda Metyarama

This is a famous monastery and the only Thai Buddhist temple in Singapore that receives royal patronage from the Thai Royal Family. It was originally set up by Venerable Luang Phor Hong Dhammaratano with his disciple Samanera Boonler. Before the renovation that was completed in 2014, this temple was the Thai Theravada Buddhist temple. The newly built section includes meditation halls, a museum, and quarters for monks.

Sri Sivan Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most enchanting and famous Hindu temples in the country. This is one of the rare Shiva temples and a fine mix of styles from North and South India both. This octagon-shaped structure looks even more beautiful with lighting during the Mahashivratri festival. In this temple, six main prayers are held daily. It is a must-visit place for someone who wants to observe the Hindu culture closely.

Burmese Buddhist Temple

This is another famous temple in Singapore housing an eleven feet tall Buddha statue that weighs 10 tonnes. This white marble statue is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Dating back to 1875, it is also one of the oldest Theravada Buddhist temples. The Bodhi tree in this temple is said to find its origin from the same tree under which Buddha got enlightenment.

Sri Krishnan Temple

Sri Krishnan Temple is one of the most famous Krishna temples in Singapore. This temple is built in South Indian architectural style and houses the sculptures of 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. On the main entrance gate, you will see two statues of Lord Hanuman and Garuda on either side. In 1870, Hanuman Beem Singh enshrined an idol of Sri Krishna, a proper temple was constructed in 1933 and then it grew over the years.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Singapore is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the country. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali also known as the destroyer of evil. This temple dates back to 1855. It is believed that Tamil workers who worked the lime kilns at Kampong Kapor established this temple to feel secure in a foreign land.

Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniar Temple

Singapore is a perfect destination to experience a multitude of temples along with many other places to visit in Singapore. This temple is a splendid attraction on that list.

The Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniar Temple in Singapore is located at the Yishun Industrial Park. Around 50 years back, this area served as a dockyard for the British Royal Navy. This temple was constructed around a tree that became famous as ‘Holy Tree’. Today, this temple is one of the most popular temples for Indian devotees in Singapore. A festival called ‘Panguni Uthiram’ is held in March-April every year. During this festival, the idol of Lord Murugan is carried in a silver chariot. Along with the chariot, devotees also carry pots of milk on their heads and offer them to the god.

Sri Thendayuthapani Temple

 This temple was originally founded by the ‘Nattukkottai Chettiars’ community in 1859. This is a Tamil community with a belief in the system of Shaivism. Another name of Sri Thendayuthapani Temple is the Chettiar’s Temple. This temple is a fine example of South Indian architectural style. Dedicated to Hindu God Murugan, this temple also houses the sanctums for Lord Sundareswarar, an embodiment of Lord Shiva, Goddess Meenakshi, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati and Navagraha.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Singapore is another popular Hindu temple. It is dedicated to Lord Perumal (Krishna) who is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. Dating back to 1855, this temple is built in classic Dravidian style. With beautiful carvings and sculptures of Lord Vishnu in his different manifestations, this temple looks so enchanting. The main deities of this temple are Lord Vishnu, his consorts Lakshmi and Andal and his bird-carrier, Garuda. This temple hosts an annual festival called ‘Thaipusam’ to honour Lord Murugan. If you want to know more about the unusual Hindu customs and traditions, this temple is a must-visit.

Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple

This beautiful temple is of great significance for Tamil Hindus. Although, people from all faiths are welcome here. First consecrated in 1850, this temple got its name from the Swnpaga tree it is located under the shade of. With a subtle look, the domed roof of this temple is plated in pure gold. It is the second oldest Hindu temple and also one of the most revered Vinayagar temples in the country.

Sri Ramar Temple

This is a popular Vaishnavite temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and visited by hundreds of devotees every day. Originally started off as a small shrine in the shade of a tree, this temple grew in size and significance among people. It also houses the statues of Lord Buddha and Quan Yin which makes it popular among Non-Hindu devotees as well.

Shree Lakshmi Narayan Temple

It is one of those few temples in Singapore that cater to the North Indian Hindu community. Founded in 1969, this temple also serves as a perfect place where people can interact and participate in various cultural events. This temple is built in North Indian architectural style and is quite simple and plain as compared to other temples. The main hall houses the shrines of various Hindu gods and goddesses.

Siong Lim Temple

Built in 1908, Siong Lim Temple is one of the famous national monuments in Singapore. This temple commemorates Lord Buddha's birth and death and is very popular among people who follow Buddhism. It houses a beautifully carved Buddha statue that has been imported from Thailand.

Sri Murugan Hill Temple

It is another significant temple dedicated to Lord Murugan dating back to somewhere around 1960. This beautiful temple is located on a small hill. Being one of the major temples for Indian devotees, it is equally popular among both locals and tourists.

Besides the ones mentioned in this list, there are many other small temples that you can explore. To plan your trip in a way that you do not miss out on any of these must-visit places, you can book a Singapore tour package with Veena World.