Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore: Timings, History & Travel Guide

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is the oldest temple located in Singapore. This is dedicated to the Hindu god, Sri Perumal, an incarnation of lord vishnu.

The structure of the temple we see today was developed in the 1960s, though the temple’s history dates back to the 1800s.

In 1885, the community knew it as Narasinga Perumal Temple, but later renamed it Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple after rebuilding it.

Since then, the government declared the temple a National Monument, and it has undergone multiple redevelopments and improvements.

The temple stands in the Little India district of Singapore, just a few meters away from the popular Mustafa shopping centre.

The Sri Srinivasa temple is one of the largest of all in Singapore. This is just a small brief of the temple; in this post, we will discuss in detail the temple timing, history, and travel guide.

Overview of Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore

The Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple is the hindu place to honor lord Vishnu, which is located along Serangoon Road in Little India.

A shrine of lord vishnu, who is the deity of Preservation, the temple is recognized for its magnificently ornate 20-metre high gopuram that shows the multiple incarnations of the deity.

The Dravidian architecture of the temple is a visual representation, with thousands of detailed scriptures and paintings depicting the five-tiered tower and ceiling that transport pilgrims into the world of Hindu mythology.

One of the largest and oldest temples in the country, the Srinivasa Perumal Temple initially grew in 1855, and the government recognised it as a national monument in 1978. P.

Govindasamy Pillai, a known South Indian philanthropist, funded the temple’s development mainly through his donations.

The popular landmark consists of idols of Lord Vishnu along with his wife Lakshmi, Andal, and his mount Garuda.

The significant Hindu festivals like Thaipusam, Brahmotsavam, and Vaikunta Ekadashi are celebrated with enthusiasm, and the prasadam is a must to try.

Historical Significance of Srinivasa Perumal Temple

The history of the temple dates back to the 1800s when strong group leaders decided to develop a temple for the Vaishnavites in Singapore.

The original temple structure was still the same until the early 1950s. In 1942, the Mohammedan Hindu Empowerment Board of Singapore decided to reinstate the Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

The renovation occurred in the 1960s when Mr. Pillai funded a considerable amount of work.

The architects completed the current temple building, along with the Rajagopuram and the covered walkway, in 1966.

At the time, multiple elders and well-wishers preferred the renaming of the temple from Sri Narasimha to Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

The temple has undergone financial factors that hindered the development of rajagopuram. Yet, thanks to Mr. Pillai’s funding, workers completed the gopuram later in the 1970s.

In 1978, the Preservation of Monuments Board declared the temple a national monument. Earlier, a stream led into the premises and was an essential part of the ritual to purify before starting the honor.

Now, an inner courtyard, a well marks the place where the stream used to flow. A Tulsi plant, also called the Basil plant, now sits inside and acts as a symbolic holy bush for Hindus.

Religious devotees begin their journey at the temple during the annual Thaipusam festival to show dedication and gratitude to Lord Murugan.

During the festival of lights, Diwali, the temple offers breakfast and special Indian sweets to large crowds joining the prayers.

In the evening, devotees will bring the deity on a chariot around the temple.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple Architecture

1. The Sri Srinivasa Temple has a traditional south indian style structure that has a spectacular five-tier entrance tower that is known as Rajagopuram.
2. It has a unique depiction of various incarnations of lord Vishnu and other Hindu deities while adhering to the floral and abstract pattern.
3. The Rajagopuram is only visible from a distance due to its monumental height. It lets people offer prayers from afar also if they don’t visit the temple premises.
4. The mandapam, which is a prayer hall, is adorned by the temple’s attractive circular mandalas and intricate relief carvings that depict the universe and nirvana.
5. The Srinivasa Perumal statue is established in the main sanctum. The pandit has the authority to enter the sanctum.
6. On either side of the shrine, there are two sculptures of door deities, called Dwarapalakas.
7. In the front of the main entrance, multiple avatars of Vishnu are sequenced at the top of the walls.
8. The shrine is dedicated to other Hindu lords.
9. Vishnu’s consorts, Goddess Lakshmi and Andal, are established in the main sanctum.
10. The temple also worships Hanuman and Ganesha.
11. Every sanctum is crowded with a grand vimana, a highly adorned dome.

Timing of Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore

The Sri Shrinivasa Perumal Temple in Singapore usually follows a split schedule where it is accessible in the morning and evening, closing during the mid-afternoon.

General Visiting Hours

The temple is open for devotees daily during the following windows:

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: The temple opens on Saturday and during big festivals (such as Thaipusam or Purattasi), it usually remains open later in the morning, often until 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM.

Daily Prayer (Pooja) Schedule

If you want to experience or participate in certain rituals, the standard temple timings are:

Visitor Tips

• Dress Code: The pilgrims have to follow a modest dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered. The temple usually offers free sarongs at the entry if you want one.
• Footwear: You should remove your slippers or shoes before entering the premises, there is a particular storage space at the entrance.
• Photography: The photography of beautiful architecture (especially the 5-tier Gopuram) is often best, but taking photos inside the inner sanctum is basically prohibited.
• Best Time to Visit: Come around 6:30 PM to witness the temple beautifully lit up and participate in the evening prayers.

Major Festivals Celebrated in Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

Witness the divine festivals at Srinivasa Perumal Temple that gives deep experience into Hindu customs and the vibrant communal spirit of Singapore.

This is what you can experience here:

1. Thaipusam: The Ultimate Spiritual Journey

• Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Significance: Devoted to Lord Murugan, this celebration is a great act of penance and thanksgiving. Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple acts as the official starting point for the most popular 3.2km foot parade.
• What to Expect: The Vow: You can reach the temple (starting around midnight on Jan 31), and thousands of devotees assemble together at the temple to prepare.
  1.Kavadis and Piercings: Observe as multiple devotees are prepared with kavadis—complex metal structures connected to the body with hooks and skewers—or have Paal Kudams (milk pots).
  2.The Walk: The parade starts through the streets from Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, followed by traditional drumming and devotional recitation.

2. Vaikunta Ekadasi: The Gateway to Heaven

• Date: January 31, 2026 ( falls on December 20, 2026)
• Significance: This is believed to be the most auspicious day to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. It is thought that on this day, the “Vaikunta Dwaram” (the entrance to Lord Vishnu’s celestial abode) is opened.
• What to Expect:
  1.The Golden Gate: A special door, the Paramapada Vaasal, is made at the temple. Multiple devotees queue from pre-dawn hours to pass through this gate, depicting their way to redemption.
  2.Fasting and Prayer: A number of devotees follow a strict fast and spend the day in devotion and meditation. The temple environment is electric with consistent chanting of “Om Namo Narayana.”

3. Brahmotsavam: The Grand Celestial Festival

• Timing: Generally held in the month of Vaikasi in the Tamil month (May/June) or Purattasi (Sept/Oct).
• Significance: This is a festival of Kings for the temple, celebrated for a long time (around 9-10 days) to celebrate the temple’s anniversary and seek lord blessings.
• What to Expect:
  1.Daily Processions: All day serves a different Vahanam (vehicle) for the deity, like the Garuda (Eagle), Hanuman, or the majestic Chariot (Ratha).
  2.Srinivasa Kalyanam: A key point is the ceremonial wedding of the Lord to his consorts, served with detailed Vedic rituals, music, and floral decorations.

4. Purattasi Saturdays: Saturdays for Saturn & Vishnu

• Dates: September 19, September 26, October 3, and October 10, 2026.
• Significance: The Purattasi month is devoted to Lord Venkateswara (Srinivasa). Saturdays are believed to be especially effective for invoking protection from the negative effects of Shani (Saturn).
• What to Expect:
  1.Massive Crowds: Local Singaporean Hindu devotees visit in big numbers, especially on these four Saturdays.
  2.Special Offerings: May experience long queues for Maa Vilakku (lamps of rice flour and jaggery) and special vegetarian feeds served to followers. It is the most active time for the temple outside of primary one-day festivals.

Travel Guide to Reach Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple stands at 397 Serangoon Road, in the core of the vibrant Little India district. It connects exceptionally well to transport links, making it easy to reach.

1. By MRT (Suggested)

This is the easiest way to reach the Srinivasa Perumal temple.

• Nearest Station: Farrer Park MRT (NE8) on the North-East Line (Purple Line).
• Exit: Take Exit G.
• Walking Directions: From Exit G, it is a quick 3 to 5-minute walk. Just walk along Serangoon Road in the Mustafa Centre/City Square Mall direction. You will notice the temple’s towering 20-meter Gopuram (gate tower) ahead of you.

2. By Bus

There are various bus routes that stop directly in front of or near the temple.

• Bus Stop: “After Farrer Park Station Exit G” (Stop ID: 07211).
• Available Buses: 21, 23, 64, 65, 67, 125, 130, 131, 139, 141, 145, 147, and 857.
  Many buses travel through primary areas like Orchard Road, Dhoby Ghaut, and the Central Business District.

3. By Car or Taxi

• Address for GPS: 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123.
• Taxi Drop-off: Taxis and ride-hailing services (Grab/Gojek) can drop you off at the main temple entrance on Serangoon Road.
• Parking: * On-site: There is little parking within the temple premises.
  1. Nearby: If there is no space in the temple, the most suitable parking is at City Square Mall or Centrium Square, both of which are less than a 5-minute walk away.

4. Walking from Little India

If you’re visiting Little India, the temple is just a 10 to 15-minute walk from the station. Walking led to witnessing other landmarks such as the Veeramakaliamman temple.

Temple dos & don’ts

1. Wear comfortable clothes to not violate the temple’s authenticity, such as long trousers for men and long skirts/dresses/trousers for women. Shoulders must be covered with a sleeved top.
2. Remove shoes before entering the temple premises.
3. Appreciate cordoned-off spaces as they should be taboo for non-Hindus.
4. Do not touch idols.

Conclusion

The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is more than only a place of honor; it is a living testament to Singapore’s multicultural narrative.

From its humble beginnings in 1855 as a sanctum for early Tamil residents to its current status as a national monument, the temple has revolutionized alongside the nation itself.

Its beautiful Dravidian architecture, located around the iconic 20-meter gopuram, acts as a beacon of spiritual calm amidst the modern urban landscape of Serangoon Road.

If you are exploring the temple, seek blessings during Sacred Vaikunta Ekadashi, or just admire the detailed carvings of Dashavatara, the temple gives an immense experience into the core of Hindu tradition.

For travellers and locals, a visit offers a unique opportunity to engage with the roots of the Indian people and value the diverse religious tapestry that signifies Singapore.

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