"What's the story behind this place? This is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, set—paradoxically—in the middle of Chinatown. It's a religious, cultural and social center for Hindus, who come here to pray and get their babies blessed. Many believe that its deity goddess Mariamman can also cure illnesses. The building itself is fabulously ornate and colorful, with an imposing entryway crusted with hundreds of sculptures depicting figures in Hindu mythology. The temple is also the center of activities during a country-wide annual fire-walking festival, during which male devotees hotfoot it over a trough of burning charcoal before cooling off in a milk pit! Visiting hours are between 5:30 a.m. and noon, and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m, which is slightly out of the ordinary so plan your trip accordingly. And what is it like being there? Quiet humility—the timber doors at the entrance are massive and meant to emphasize how small humans are in comparison to the divine. Is there a guide involved? No, you'll have to see yourself around. If you take photos or videos, there's a small fee involved (about $2 for photos and $4.50 for videos). Who comes here? Devotees (this is a working temple) as well as tourists. Does it live up to expectations? It's a fabulous sight, but it does get quite crowded, which means the experience is a little less spiritual than you might have thought. So who do you think would get the most out of a visit to the temple? History and culture buffs should combine a Sri Mariamman visit with visits to the nearby and equally historical Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Jamae Mosque for a taste of how richly multicultural the city is." - Audrey Phoon
