Sri Mariamman Temple

From Track2Asia

This Hindu temple has an ironic setting – the heart of Chinatown. The temple is built in honor of Sri Mariamman, the goddess of healing. She is revered by the Tamils for her ability to cure your ills and for bringing down rain. Every year, come October, this is the site of the Thimithi Festival. Followers walk on burning coals to show their devotion. There is also a consecration ceremony happening every 12 years.

As for the worship ceremonies, devotees start by praying at the Shrine of Sri Vinayagar. Believed to be the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings, Sri Vinayagar is believed to "cleanse" the worshiper before he can pray in the alcoves or before he can present gifts to the deities. Offerings may range from mouthwash mints, to incense and fruits.

The inner sanctum is restricted to outsiders – only priests may enter the area. These priests, dressed in loincloths, come to the sanctum to bathe statues using colored water.

This is Singapore's oldest temple, whose initial structure was built by a trader named Naraina Pillai. Later on, a stone building (circa 1862) was built over the original structure and has since undergone a series of renovations.