Your miniguide to Hindu temples & traditions
Too shy to try the colorful bright Hindu temples dotted about Singapore? Our HoneyKids mini guide to Hindu Temples and traditions will man you with all the info you need to step (bare)foot into these hallowed halls! We give you an introduction to the Hindu traditions, temples, main festivals, and the fun that can be had when you experience this vibrant culture.
A little bit of history
When the colonial Chettiars (Southern Indians who set up the original CBD), and other Indian traders settled in the Lion City, so did their religion – Hinduism and approximately 8% of Singaporeans are practicing the religion today.
The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, funnily enough, cannot be found in Little India but in Chinatown! Sri Mariamman temple (244 South Bridge Road) is a great temple to visit for a beginner. It’s hard to miss thanks to its famous six-tiered gopuram (statues of hindu deities on the roof) and is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, a mother goddess known for her power to cure illness. Sri Mariamman Temple started its life off in the nineteenth century as a small wooden hut, but since 1970 has been given the status of a national monument.
What to do
Okay, so now you know the background: it’s time for the rules. All Hindu temples in Singapore require you to leave your shoes outside. For those that find the idea of walking barefoot a bit nasty, don’t worry – you can wear socks! All temples are free of charge to enter but some, including Sri Mariamman,, require a donation if you wish to take photos. Remember to keep the noise down and give the worshippers their personal space – nobody likes the sound of Angry Birds being played during prayer time! If you want to look like a pro, walk around the temple counter-clockwise, as this is the correct way (according to Hindus), with each circuit is dedicated to one deity. Don’t worry if you forget; they don’t mind!
What to look for
Hinduism can seem an overwhelming religion to those that do not practice it, as there are literally thousands of deities that comprise the almighty Brahman. One deity that is fun to spot in the temples, Lord Ganesha, is one of Singapore’s most popular and famous Hindu gods – the elephant headed chubby god usually holding an axe (he is the god of removing obstacles and his axe helps him), a lotus (a sign of wisdom). His big ears remind us that its better to listen than always be chattering, and his appearance reminds us that inner beauty is more important than our outer appearance –a good role model! See how many times you can spot him not just in the temples but also around Singapore. Fun fact: Lord Ganesha is often prayed to by Hindu children before an exam to help them think clearly and do their best.
If you are visiting Sri Mariamman, you may see the famous ‘rolling Hindu.’ Hindus believe that the temple statues and the building itself contain the essence of the deity (hence take your shoes off, nobody likes being trampled on!), and this regular devotee wants to be as close as possible to touching the divine essence. So he takes off his shirt lies on the floor and rolls round the temple – it’s quite a sight to see such devotion, but be careful not to trip over him!
Festivals
Theemithi: Since 1840, Sri Mariamman, has held the annual Theemithi (fire walking) ceremony where devotees walk over hot coals to prove their faith.
Deepavali: Visiting Little India during the festival of lights is a great trip for the family as they erect a special Deepavali market where you can buy decorations, sweets and special chalk dust to make pictures.
Thaipusam: Not for the lighthearted, this is the festival for Lord Muragan (Ganesha’s little brother), where devotees pierce their bodies with kavadis to carry offerings to the temple. The devotees swear they feel no pain but children watching might not get this impression so be careful!
So, the next time you see a Hindu temple, pop off the shoes, and take a look. There’s a colorful world waiting for you inside!