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Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore
Temple
664 views
Serangoon Road, Singapore (218174), Singapore
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Year Built
1930 CE
Period
Colonial Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Thondy Ponnusamy Pillai and Indian Immigrants
Patronage
Early Indian Immigrants
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore
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Heritage Overview
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple, founded in 1930 as a shrine beneath a banyan tree and rebuilt in 1964 and 2016, honours the fearsome goddess Vada Bhadra Kaliamman and functions as Little India’s primary Sakti temple with a six-tier rajagopuram, 16-pillared granite mandapa, and newly consecrated Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar sanctum ([1][2]). The temple opens 6:00 AM-12:00 PM and 6:00 PM-9:30 PM, with six daily pujas, weekly Rahu-Ketu homa, and elaborate Navaratri, Aadi Pooram, and Panguni Uthiram festivals featuring chariot processions and cultural performances curated by the Hindu Endowments Board. Programmes include annadhanam, music and dance schools, yoga, meditation, counselling, legal aid, and youth leadership workshops in the multi-storey annex with classrooms, library, daycare, and roof gardens. During the 2016 $4 million rejuvenation, artisans from Tamil Nadu refreshed stucco iconography, swapped the old vimana for a gilded copper kalash tower, and introduced Singapore’s first granite-carved 12-foot-high guardian statues, while engineers upgraded drainage, HVAC, lighting, CCTV, and accessibility. The temple partners with SCDF, SPF, and social service agencies for emergency drills, blood drives, and aid to low-income residents, ensuring the goddess’s abode remains both a devotional haven and a civic anchor in Serangoon ([1][3]).
Historical Context
Temple founded as Valaithuthy Ponnusamy’s shrine (1930), rebuilt brick mandir (1964), major renovations (1984, 1991), and comprehensive redevelopment (2014-2016) resulting in new gopuram, sanctums, classrooms, dormitory, and technology upgrades; temple continues to support migrant welfare and interfaith cooperation ([1][2][3]).
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Temple: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Aarti: 7:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 7:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
During major festivals like Navarathiri (September/October), Deepavali (October/November), Thai Poosam (January/February), or the Annual Festival (Thiruvizha) (May/June) for a vibrant cultural and religious experience with special prayers and decorations. Early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) are ideal for peaceful darshan and to witness the daily aarti ceremonies, avoiding the midday heat.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Colonial Period
Influences
Dravidian Kali Temple Architecture, Granite Mandapa Craft, Singapore Tamil Diaspora Landscape
Heritage Status
Recognised heritage site within Little India (Urban Redevelopment Authority)
Preservation Status
Excellent; 2023 Hindu Endowments Board assessment confirms structural integrity, conserved stucco, and reliable MEP systems with cyclical repainting ongoing ([3]).
Conservation Status
Condition remains excellent with proactive conservation, BMS monitoring, and volunteer stewardship ensuring longevity despite heavy worship loads ([3]).
Archaeological Survey
No archaeological survey information available
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Restoration Work
Restorations in 1964, 1984, 1991, and 2016 addressed structural, decorative, and facility upgrades; 2016 project installed new granite floors, gopuram, Shiva-Parvati sanctum, community centre, and sustainability systems ([1][3]).
Patronage
Early Indian Immigrants
Construction Technique
The temple's evolution from a simple shrine to its current form involved distinct construction phases. The 1964 brick mandir likely employed traditional masonry techniques, laying brick courses with lime mortar and applying lime plaster finishes. The comprehensive 2014-2016 redevelopment integrated modern methods, utilizing reinforced concrete for the structural framework of the new gopuram and multi-story sections. Skilled artisans then meticulously carved and assembled granite elements for the mandapa and sanctums. Stucco ornamentation, a hallmark of Dravidian architecture, was meticulously sculpted on the gopuram, requiring specialized plastering and finishing techniques. The installation of copper kalashas atop the vimanas and gopuram involved precise metalwork and secure anchoring.
Architectural Influences
Dravidian Kali Temple Architecture, Granite Mandapa Craft, Singapore Tamil Diaspora Landscape
Building Techniques
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple showcases specialized building techniques characteristic of Dravida architecture, adapted for a modern urban context. The intricate granite carving seen in the 16-pillared mandapa and sanctum walls exemplifies traditional stone masonry, where blocks were precisely cut, dressed, and interlocked. The towering six-tier rajagopuram features elaborate stucco ornamentation, a technique involving the application and sculpting of lime-based plaster to create detailed mythological figures and decorative motifs. This artistry demands significant skill in material preparation and execution. The use of teak timber for doors and decorative elements highlights traditional joinery, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal within the temple's sacred spaces.
Coordinates
1.315323, 103.857971
Accessibility Info
5 items
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
During major festivals like Navarathiri (September/October), Deepavali (October/November), Thai Poosam (January/February), or the Annual Festival (Thiruvizha) (May/June) for a vibrant cultural and religious experience with special prayers and decorations. Early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) are ideal for peaceful darshan and to witness the daily aarti ceremonies, avoiding the midday heat.
Seasonal Events
10 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 any inner sanctums.","Maintain silence and a respectful demeanor, especially during prayer times and ceremonies.","Photography is generally permitted, but visitors should be mindful not to disturb devotees or priests during rituals and avoid flash photography in certain areas."]
View Count
664
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T07:37:46.387881+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore?
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore is a historic Temple located in Singapore, Singapore. This Dravida architecture style, Tamil Temple architecture style, Kali Temple architecture style, Singapore Hindu Temple architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Colonial Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Singapore. Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple, founded in 1930 as a shrine beneath a banyan tree and rebuilt in 1964 and 2016, honours the fearsome goddess Vada Bhadra Kaliamman and functions as Little India’s pri...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Serangoon Road, Singapore (218174), Singapore, SingaporePeriod:
Colonial PeriodStyle:
Dravida architecture style, Tamil Temple architecture style, Kali Temple architecture style, Singapore Hindu Temple architecture style