Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple - Singapore

Address

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple – Singapore

Serangoon Rd,

Singapore 218123

Moolavar

Sri Srinivasa

Introduction

The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, also known as Sri Perumal Temple, is one of the oldest and most significant Hindu temples in Singapore. Situated in the vibrant Little India district along Serangoon Road, the temple is easily recognizable by its towering five-tier Gopuram (gateway tower), which showcases various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Gopuram was donated by P. Govindasamy Pillai, one of the early Indian migrants to Singapore. In 1978, the temple was gazetted as a National Monument of Singapore, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

Puranic Significance

Origins and Establishment: The land for the temple was purchased from the East India Company in 1851, and construction was completed by 1855. Initially, the temple was dedicated to Narasimha Perumal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and was named the Sri Narasimha Perumal Temple. Over time, on the advice of the temple elders, the main deity was changed to Srinivasa Perumal, a revered form of Lord Vishnu, leading to the renaming of the temple to Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.
Significant Developments: A wedding hall was constructed and officially opened on 19 June 1965 by Yusof Ishak, the first President of Singapore. The temple continued to grow in importance and devotion, becoming a focal point for the local Hindu community. On 10 November 1978, the temple was declared a national monument in recognition of its architectural beauty and cultural heritage.

Special Features

Historical Context: The area around the temple once featured ponds and vegetable gardens, with a stream running through the area that served as a ritual cleansing source for devotees before worship. Inside the temple’s inner courtyard, there is a well that marks the spot where the stream once flowed. The temple grounds also feature a Tulasi (basil) plant, which holds symbolic importance in Hindu worship.
Deities and Iconography: Inside the temple, devotees can find statues of Perumal (Lord Vishnu), his consorts Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Andal (the goddess of beauty), as well as his bird-mount Garuda. The temple is dedicated to Krishna, one of Vishnu’s most beloved incarnations. Statues of Krishna, typically colored blue to signify his divine nature, are prominently displayed throughout the temple.
Temple Ceiling and Design: The temple ceiling features a vibrant circular pattern depicting the nine planets of the universe, highlighting the temple’s cosmic significance. In addition to the main shrine, there are separate sanctums for Chakrathaazhvar and Lord Hanuman, offering devotees a space to pray and seek blessings.
Thaipusam Festival: The temple holds great significance during the Thaipusam festival, which is one of the most colorful and unique celebrations in Singapore. Devotees begin their pilgrimage at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, often piercing their tongues and cheeks with metal skewers and carrying a kavadi (a decorative structure), as a form of devotion and gratitude to Lord Murugan. The procession continues to the Chettiar Temple on Tank Road, marking an important part of the Thaipusam celebrations in Singapore.