I visited this temple on 11 Feb 2025 for the Thaipusam festival. Unfortunately, the Hindu Endowment Board and temple management caused unnecessary delays with poorly planned stops along the route. Additionally, there was significant crowding at the last stretch leading to the temple (refer to photos). Many devotees suffered from dizziness and faint spells under the blazing sun due to the lack of shade, as trees had been cut down the week prior. The first aid post was set up far from the temple entrance, which was poor planning. I hope they take more care in organizing this event in the future.
I visited on Thaipusam day and couldn't enter the temple, but I gained some good memories and updates. On this day, one cannot visit the temple for normal prayer and should accompany the procession carrying the milk pot. Throughout the route, food, water, and butter milk were generously offered to the deity.
This temple, established in the early 19th century, is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Singapore. The Nattukottai Chettiars contributed significantly to the financial development of Singapore.
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, located on Tank Road, is among Singapore's oldest and most respected Hindu temples. Built in 1859, it is dedicated to Lord Murugan and becomes a busy site during the annual Thaipusam festival, when devotees carry kavadis as a display of their devotion. The temple's intricate architecture, featuring beautifully carved pillars and a richly decorated gopuram, showcases the Dravidian style. Inside, the tranquil atmosphere invites peaceful reflection and worship, making it a must-see for those interested in Singapore’s cultural diversity and spiritual traditions.
During my month-long stay in Singapore, I visited this temple nearly every alternate day for its peaceful environment and adherence to Hindu traditions with regular poojas and practices. I would arrive right at 6 am to have darshan of Lord Muruga and always enjoyed the prasadam provided by the temple, such as pongal, puliyodarai vadai, and thayir sadam. A heartfelt thanks to all the Nagarathars involved in maintaining this great temple and for their charitable spirit. As someone from Madurai, I love seeing my Meenakshi and Sundareswarar shrines when I visit. I eagerly look forward to my next trip to witness the darshan of Lord Dhandayudhapani accompanied by Skandashashti Kavacham during the early hours. After 6 months, I felt truly blessed to revisit this serene temple on 25th September 2024 during the auspicious Mahalayapaksha Punyakam on Madhyashtami, where I had the darshan of Lord Dhandayudhapani and enjoyed a beautiful Abhishekam of Sri Bairavar with delightful nadaswaram and thavil music.
