Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple - Singapore

Address

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple – Singapore

555 Serangoon Rd,

Singapore 218174

Amman

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman

Introduction

The Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple is located on Serangoon Road in Little India, Singapore. Dedicated to the Vadapathira Kaliamman and Kaliamman deities, this temple holds great significance for worshippers seeking protection and blessings. The temple is notable for its connection to the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, where the presiding deity is the male counterpart to Kaliamman. Devotees visit the temple not only to worship Kaliamman but also to offer prayers to a range of other deities such as Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, and Kuber, among others, representing the rich spiritual traditions of Southern India.

Puranic Significance

Origins: The origins of the temple date back to the 1830s when a picture of Kaliamman was first placed under a tree at the site where the temple now stands. This early setup was simple, but it eventually grew into the temple we know today. The presiding deity, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman, is believed to be an incarnation of Sri Nisumbha Soodhani, a goddess worshipped by the Chola kings as their family deity for protection during warfare.
Symbolism of the Goddess: Kaliamman is regarded as a powerful female deity, often considered the counterpart to the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. She is also referred to as Rahukala Kaliamman and Vada Bhadra Kaliamman, which highlight her various forms and aspects. Devotees believe that worshipping her brings protection from evil forces and blessings for success and safety.
Renovations and Ceremonies: The temple underwent a significant renovation in 1984, which included a 48-day consecration ceremony. This renovation saw the installation of two **4.2-meter statues of Garuda and Hanuman, both of which were said to be the first of their kind in Singapore and Asia. Additionally, a major consecration event, the 6th Maha Kumbabishegam, was held on 9 December 2016, during which several new deities were introduced to the temple, including Jambulingeswarar (Lord Shiva), Akhilandeswari, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Swarnakrashna Bhairavar, Lakshmi Kuberar, Lakshmi Narasimar, Nandikeswarar, and Veerabathirar.

Special Features

Main Shrine and Deities: The temple’s mandapam houses the main deity of Kali, with smaller shrines for Ganesha and Murugan, the sons of Shiva. The placement of these shrines reflects the temple’s connection to various aspects of Hindu worship, with Kaliamman as the central figure, flanked by other important deities.
Vimana: One of the standout architectural features of the Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple is its Vimana, a stepped pyramid-shaped tower that rises above the main shrine. This is a typical feature in South Indian temples and is designed to symbolize the connection between the earthly realm and the divine. Due to its height, the Vimana is visible from a distance, allowing devotees to offer prayers even without entering the temple.