With the Tamils reaching Singapore in search of work in the early 19th century Hinduism was introduced in Singapore. These people often bought idols from home and worshipped them in makeshift shafts. These temples became a meeting point for Hindus to interact with each other in a foreign country.
Today, there are thirty hindu temples in all, mainly built in Dravidian style using gopurams, complex freizes, intricate carving and mural adorning the walls and ceilings. The first of the Hindu temple to be constructed was the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore. It is dedicated to Tamil goddess Mariamman, an incarnation of the Mother Goddess, and who is believed to have the power to cure diseases. This Hindu temple was first built by by Narayana Pillai, in 1823. The permenant structure of the temple was completed by 1863.
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