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Join us at Sri Mariamman Temple for a thoughtful and engaging programme that offers deeper insight into Hinduism and the traditions surrounding birth in Hindu culture.
The session begins with an Introduction to Hinduism, covering the core beliefs, key practices, and the meaning behind important rituals that shape this ancient faith.
We’ll then explore Hindu birth rituals, including the worship of Sri Periyachi Amman, a protective deity associated with safeguarding mothers and newborns. You’ll also learn about key ceremonies such as the Thottil Ceremony—a baby’s cradle ceremony—and Mudi Irakkuthal, the traditional head-shaving ritual symbolising the shedding of past karma and the start of a new phase in life.
The programme concludes with a guided tour of Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. This tour offers an opportunity to appreciate the temple’s architecture, symbolic design, and the role it plays in community and spiritual life.
Whether you’re exploring Hinduism for the first time or deepening your understanding, this session offers a respectful and enriching introduction to its cultural and spiritual traditions.
K Sengkuttuvan serves as the Chairperson of the Hindu Advisory Board ; an elect committee by the government that seeks advice on Hindu matters and policy making. He is also an aviator for the last 30 years serving ,several senior roles in the management and training at Singapore Airlines. He is also the Vice President of the Inter Religious Organisation and plays an active role in the inter religious dialogues organised by academic and social institutions. He gained his spiritual knowledge under the tutelage of a renowned spiritual master, Swami Omkaranandha based in India. Mr Sengkuttuvan’s multifaceted roles has certainly augured him well with experience and knowledge notably contribution towards racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, was founded in 1827 by Indian migrants along South Bridge Road. Originally known as Sithi Vinayagar Gothanda Ramaswamy Mariamman Kovil, it housed multiple sanctums for different Hindu traditions. Managed by trustees and priests from India in the 1800s, its administration came under the colonial Mohammedan and Hindu Endowments Board in 1907, and since 1969 has been overseen by the Hindu Endowments Board. It was declared Singapore’s first Hindu National Monument in 1973.
The temple’s architecture features traditional elements such as shrines, a central worship hall, and an entrance tower. Parts of the structure, including walls and domes, date to the 1840s, with a portico added in 1916. Its five-tiered rajagopuram, remodelled in 1936, is richly decorated with colourful sculptures of Hindu deities and epic scenes. Four ornate vimanams (domes) mark major shrines, including that of the main deity, Sri Mariamman. Uniquely, the boundary wall is lined with sacred bulls rather than lions. The mandapam (pillared hall) includes colourful frescos, arched openings, and ornamental columns, while the courtyard houses a viewing gallery for the annual Theemithi (Fire-Walking) festival. The temple grounds also include ancillary buildings such as a kitchen, staff quarters, and a wedding hall added in 1996.
Jayasree Alamuru is a tour guide, artist, and museum educator who volunteers with My Community. She is also a docent with Friends of the Museums (FOM) and at the Botanic Gardens. Jayasree enjoys creating her own art and shares a passion for storytelling through her tours.
She loves nature and appreciates the opportunity to bond with fellow guides and participants as they explore Singapore’s rich heritage together.
Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
Limited parking is available along Temple Road.
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
