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Sri Thendayuthapani Temple Singapore
Temple
556 views
Tank Road, Singapore (238065), Singapore
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Year Built
1859 CE
Period
Colonial Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Nattukottai Chettiar Community
Patronage
Nattukottai Chettiar Community
Material Used
ग्रेनाइट - Grēnāiṭa (Granite)ईंट का काम - Īṅṭa kā kāma (Brickwork)प्रबलित कंक्रीट - Prabalit kaṅkrīṭ (Reinforced Concrete)चूना प्लास्टर - Chūnā Plāstar (Lime Plaster)लेप - Lēpa (Stucco)ताम्र कलश - Tāmra Kalaśa (Copper Kalashas)सागौन की लकड़ी - Sāgaun kī lakaṛī (Teak Timber)कांच की दीवार - Kān̄ca kī dīvāra (Glass Curtainwall)
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple Singapore
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Heritage Overview
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple Singapore
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, built in 1859 by the Nattukottai Chettiars, anchors Tank Road as Singapore’s principal Murugan shrine and the culmination point for the annual Thaipusam kavadi pilgrimage ([1][2]). The temple’s five-tier rajagopuram features 3,500 polychromatic stucco figures and leads into a granite mandapa where Lord Murugan stands with Valli and Deivayanai beneath a gilded vimana. Daily worship begins 5:30 AM with Suprabhata Seva and closes at 9:00 PM with Arthajama Arati; multiple kala pujas, homa, and abhishekam are performed, especially during Thaipusam, Panguni Uttiram, and Skanda Shasti, when hundreds of kavadi bearers ascend the granite steps chanting “Vel Vel.” The temple precinct includes a newly constructed five-storey Annalakshmi Cultural Centre (2022) with banqueting halls, classrooms, dance studios, wellness suites, library, and the Annalakshmi vegetarian restaurant that funds charity initiatives. The Hindu Endowments Board manages annadhanam, Sikhara Veda classes, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, yoga, counselling, and senior outreach. Heritage tours, interfaith programmes, and research archives showcase the Chettiar community’s banking legacy, while disaster-relief fundraising, migrant welfare drives, and pandemic vaccination campaigns highlight the temple’s civic role. Integrated MEP systems, BMS controls, CCTV, and crowd management infrastructure enable the temple to support half a million visitors annually while conserving its historic Dravidian artistry ([1][3]).
Historical Context
Built in 1859, extended 1876, refurbished 1919 with granite sanctum, underwent major rebuild 1979-1983, and most recently redeveloped 2017-2022 producing new cultural centre and temple rejuvenation; the temple has consistently supported Tamil commerce, religion, arts, and philanthropy throughout Singapore’s history ([1][2]).
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Temple (Weekdays): 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Monday-Friday.
Temple (Weekends & Public Holidays): 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday & Public Holidays.
Pooja/Archanai: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
During major festivals like Thai Poosam (January/February) or Panguni Uthiram (March/April) for a vibrant and immersive cultural and religious experience with special ceremonies and processions. Early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) are ideal for a peaceful visit and to witness daily pooja ceremonies, avoiding the midday heat. Singapore's tropical climate means it is warm year-round, so visiting during cooler parts of the day is recommended.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Colonial Period
Influences
Dravidian Murugan Temple Architecture, Chettiar Mercantile Influence, Singaporean Multicultural Heritage
Heritage Status
National Monument (Gazetted 2014)
Preservation Status
Excellent; 2022 conservation report by HEB indicates sound structure, durable finishes, and compliant MEP systems with programmed stucco maintenance ([3]).
Conservation Status
Condition remains excellent with BMS oversight, professional conservation teams, and volunteer custodianship ensuring longevity of heritage and new facilities ([3]).
Archaeological Survey
No archaeological survey information available
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Restoration Work
Major works: 1919 granite inner sanctum, 1979 modernization, 1996 façade repainting, 2009 annadhanam kitchen upgrade, 2017-2022 cultural centre addition and temple rejuvenation ([1][3]).
Patronage
Nattukottai Chettiar Community
Construction Technique
The original 1859 brick-and-lime temple saw major expansions in 1876, 1919, 1979, and 2009; the latest redevelopment (2017-2022) introduced a granite-clad sanctum, new granite flagstaff, steel-core gopuram, and a five-storey Annalakshmi Cultural Centre linked via skybridge ([1][2]). The mandapa walls combine granite veneers over reinforced concrete, handcrafted stucco icons, and timber coffered ceilings. Gopuram sculptures were carved in Tamil Nadu and installed using stainless dowels and lime mortar; structural steel braces hidden within the tower resist wind and seismic forces. The cultural centre uses reinforced concrete frames, steel beams, and double-glazed facades; service corridors house HVAC ducts, sprinkler mains, and fibre networks feeding both the historic mandapa and new facilities. Granolithic courtyards include integrated drainage channels to manage monsoon rains while accommodating kavadi processions ([1][3]).
Architectural Influences
Dravidian Murugan Temple Architecture, Chettiar Mercantile Influence, Singaporean Multicultural Heritage
Building Techniques
Building techniques feature sthapati-carved granite pedestals, lime plaster conservation, stainless anchoring for stucco, modular scaffold gopuram restoration, concealed underfloor ducting, and smart BMS integration controlling temperature, humidity, and lighting across heritage and modern blocks ([1][3]).
Coordinates
1.294322, 103.843047
Accessibility Info
4 items
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
During major festivals like Thai Poosam (January/February) or Panguni Uthiram (March/April) for a vibrant and immersive cultural and religious experience with special ceremonies and processions. Early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) are ideal for a peaceful visit and to witness daily pooja ceremonies, avoiding the midday heat. Singapore's tropical climate means it is warm year-round, so visiting during cooler parts of the day is recommended.
Seasonal Events
6 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are required to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, as a sign of respect for the sacred space.","Footwear must be removed before entering the main prayer hall and other designated sacred areas within the temple.","Photography is generally permitted, but flash photography is discouraged, and visitors should be respectful of worshippers and ongoing rituals.","Maintain silence and decorum within the temple premises, especially during prayer times, to preserve the sanctity of the environment.","Food and drinks are not allowed inside the main prayer hall or other sacred areas of the temple."]
View Count
556
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T07:33:52.504027+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Sri Thendayuthapani Temple Singapore?
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple Singapore is a historic Temple located in Singapore, Singapore. This Dravida-Nagara Hybrid architecture style, Dravida architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Indic Religious architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Colonial Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Singapore. Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, built in 1859 by the Nattukottai Chettiars, anchors Tank Road as Singapore’s principal Murugan shrine and the culmination point for the annual Thaipusam kavadi pilgrimage (...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Tank Road, Singapore (238065), Singapore, SingaporePeriod:
Colonial PeriodStyle:
Dravida-Nagara Hybrid architecture style, Dravida architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Indic Religious architecture styleArchitectural Features