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Sri Sivan Temple Singapore
Temple
403 views
Geylang East Avenue 2, Singapore (389752), Singapore
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Year Built
1993 CE
Period
Post-Independence Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Ragunatha Pillai
Patronage
Hindu Endowments Board Singapore
Material Used
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Sri Sivan Temple Singapore
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Heritage Overview
Sri Sivan Temple Singapore
Sri Sivan Temple, whose roots date to an 1850s attap shrine in Orchard Road, stands today in Geylang as the city’s primary Saiva Siddhanta temple featuring a rare octagonal sanctum, modern gopuram, and roof skylights that bathe Sri Kariamman and Sri Sivan in natural light ([1][2]). The current complex, consecrated in 1993 and managed by the Hindu Endowments Board, opens daily 6:30 AM-12:00 PM and 6:00 PM-9:00 PM with six daily puja kalam: Kala Shanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Arthajama, and special pradosham rites; the prasadam hall and courtyard serve vegetarian meals, while classrooms host Saiva Siddhanta, Tamil, music, and yoga lessons. The temple is celebrated for its annual Maha Sivarathiri (overnight vigil), Panguni Uthiram, Pradosham, and Navaratri, and for its second-storey columbarium, a unique adaptation supporting contemporary Hindu funerary practices. Community services include annadhanam, counselling, legal aid, health screenings, and seniors’ programmes orchestrated with People’s Association and Health Promotion Board. During COVID-19, the temple provided virtual darshan, vaccination outreach, and relief parcels for vulnerable residents. Integrated AV systems, livestream studios, LED relighting, BMS climate controls, and CCTV sustain safe operations, while heritage tours highlight the temple’s evolution from Orchard Road to Dhoby Ghaut and finally Geylang, mapping Singapore’s urban transformation ([1][3]).
Historical Context
Temple established 1850s Orchard Road, relocated to new Dhoby Ghaut structure 1909, shifted to Geylang 1983, and rebuilt with octagonal sanctum and community facilities 1993; subsequent expansions (2008, 2018) introduced multi-purpose hall, columbarium, and energy-efficient upgrades ([1][2]).
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Temple: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Pooja Timings: 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
During major festivals like Maha Sivarathiri (Feb/Mar), Navarathiri (Sep/Oct), or Thai Poosam (Jan/Feb) for vibrant celebrations and special ceremonies. Early morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM) or evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) for a peaceful darshan and to witness the daily pooja ceremonies. Singapore's tropical climate is warm and humid year-round, so early mornings offer slightly cooler temperatures.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Post-Independence Period
Influences
Saiva Siddhanta Temple Architecture, Octagonal Sanctum Design, Modern Singaporean Temple Typology
Heritage Status
Registered Place of Worship within Geylang Planning Area
Preservation Status
Excellent; HEB inspections (2018, 2023) confirm sound structure, maintained finishes, and reliable MEP infrastructure with minor stucco repainting scheduled ([3]).
Conservation Status
Condition remains excellent with BMS monitoring, professional conservation, and structured volunteer stewardship ensuring resilience in a dense urban neighbourhood ([3]).
Archaeological Survey
No archaeological survey information available
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Restoration Work
Major projects: 1993 new temple completion, 2008 granite flooring and LED upgrade, 2014 columbarium expansion, 2018 multi-purpose hall and sustainability retrofit ([1][3]).
Patronage
Hindu Endowments Board Singapore
Construction Technique
The 1993 temple is a modern reinterpretation of the earlier Dhoby Ghaut shrine: an octagonal garbhagriha constructed from reinforced concrete and granite cladding, surrounded by covered corridors and a five-tier rajagopuram adorned with stucco deities ([1][2]). The octagon is symbolic of Shiva’s eight forms; its granite-clad walls sit on a reinforced podium with concealed services. The main hall spans 800 square metres with reinforced concrete columns, steel roof trusses, and clerestory windows; gopuram sculptures were carved in India, shipped modularly, and affixed via stainless dowels and lime mortar. Upgrades in 2008 and 2018 introduced granite flooring, LED lighting, and a multi-purpose hall with classrooms, offices, and columbarium, constructed using steel beams, composite slabs, and curtainwalls. Mechanical systems deliver chilled water air-conditioning, energy recovery ventilation, and UV-treated water for rituals through underfloor channels, preserving the temple’s serene aesthetic while meeting modern codes ([1][3]).
Architectural Influences
Saiva Siddhanta Temple Architecture, Octagonal Sanctum Design, Modern Singaporean Temple Typology
Building Techniques
Sthapathis employed prefabricated granite panels, lime plaster, stucco restoration techniques, stainless anchoring, modular scaffolds, concealed HVAC ducts, and smart BMS controls to manage climate and lighting across sanctum, halls, and columbarium while ensuring ritual purity and architectural integrity ([1][3]).
Coordinates
1.318443, 103.888734
Accessibility Info
2 items
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
During major festivals like Maha Sivarathiri (Feb/Mar), Navarathiri (Sep/Oct), or Thai Poosam (Jan/Feb) for vibrant celebrations and special ceremonies. Early morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM) or evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) for a peaceful darshan and to witness the daily pooja ceremonies. Singapore's tropical climate is warm and humid year-round, so early mornings offer slightly cooler temperatures.
Seasonal Events
10 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Devotees are requested to be appropriately and modestly dressed when visiting the Temple, covering shoulders and knees.","Footwear must be removed before entering the main temple premises and prayer halls.","Photography inside the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) is generally prohibited to maintain sanctity.","Visitors are requested to maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple, especially during prayer times."]
View Count
403
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T07:35:13.281104+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Sri Sivan Temple Singapore?
Sri Sivan Temple Singapore is a historic Temple located in Singapore, Singapore. This Dravida architecture style, Saiva architecture style, Octagonal Temple architecture style, Singaporean Hindu architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Post-Independence Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Singapore. Sri Sivan Temple, whose roots date to an 1850s attap shrine in Orchard Road, stands today in Geylang as the city’s primary Saiva Siddhanta temple featuring a rare octagonal sanctum, modern gopuram, an...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Geylang East Avenue 2, Singapore (389752), Singapore, SingaporePeriod:
Post-Independence PeriodStyle:
Dravida architecture style, Saiva architecture style, Octagonal Temple architecture style, Singaporean Hindu architecture styleArchitectural Features