Bangkok Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Thailand

Address

Bangkok Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Thailand
2, Si Lom Road, Si Lom Sub district, 

Bangrak District, Bangkok 10500,

Thailand

Amman

Sri Maha Mariamman

Introduction

• Location: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, also known as the Maha Uma Devi Temple, is located on Si Lom Road in Bangkok, Thailand. Built in 1879, the temple follows the traditional South Indian architectural style and was established by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil immigrant to Thailand. The temple serves as an important cultural and spiritual center for the Tamil community in Thailand.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background: In 1858, after India became a colony under the British Empire, many people from the southern state of Tamil Nadu migrated to various parts of the world, including Thailand, to escape colonial rule. One such group of Tamil immigrants moved to Bangkok, many of them involved in gemstone trade and cattle ranching. Among them was Vaithi Padayatchi, a prominent leader who built the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple as a place of worship and cultural preservation. The street in Silom near the temple is named Soi Vaiti in his honor, often seen on maps as Vithy Lane or Waiti Lane.The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is considered the oldest and most important Hindu temple in Thailand, serving as a beacon of Tamil Hinduism and its rich traditions in the region.

Special Features

• Architectural Style: The temple’s facade is a stunning example of the South Indian style, with a vibrant and intricate design featuring various deities in different shapes and sizes. The gopura (temple tower) at the entrance is about 6 meters tall, covered in carvings of Hindu deities.
• Main Shrine and Shrines: The central shrine of the temple complex is topped with a dome, covered in gilded copper plates, adding to its beauty and grandeur. There are also three important shrines dedicated to Ganesh, Kartik, and the main deity, Sri Maha Mariamman.
• Sequence of Worship: Devotees follow a sequential worship process:
  1. Ganesh
  2. Kartik
  3. Sri Maha Mariamman (the main deity).
  The temple’s main hall features bronze statues of key deities from Hinduism, including:
  • Ganesh
  • Shiva
  • Krishna
  • Vishnu
  • Lakshmi
  • Kartik
  • Mariamman
  • Kali
  • Saraswati
  • Nataraja with Shivakami
  • Hanuman
  Additional shrines are dedicated to:
  • Shiva Lingam
  • Brahma
  • Navagraha
  • Aiyanar
  • SapthaKanni
  • Periyachi
  • Madurai Veeran
  • Kathavarayan.

Festivals

• Navratri Festival: The temple celebrates Navratri following the traditional Tamil calendar (September/October). This 10-day festival is dedicated to Sri Mariamman and is believed to bring blessings and redress from bad luck. On the final day, the streets in front of the temple are adorned with yellow flower garlands and candles, creating a vibrant atmosphere.The idol of Sri Mariamman is taken in a grand procession through the streets, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and attracting devotees to partake in the blessings of the goddess.

Century/Period

1879

Nearest Bus Station

Si Lom Road

Nearest Railway Station

Si Lom Road

Nearest Airport

Craiova (CRA)

Location on Map

lightuptemple