The month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August) is a spiritually charged time dedicated to the worship of goddesses, especially Amman, the fierce and compassionate Mother Goddess. While Tamil Nadu celebrates Aadi with grandeur, the spirit of the festival thrives equally in Singapore, where the Tamil community comes together to observe powerful rituals and prayers.
Singapore, with its rich Indian heritage, is home to several ancient and prominent Amman temples. During Aadi, these temples witness huge crowds, special pujas, and devotional activities that reflect the vibrancy of Tamil traditions overseas.
1. Sri Mariamman Temple
Address: 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793
Principal Deity: Sri Mariamman (a rural mother goddess, a form of Shakti/Amman)
Other Deities: Rama, Murugan, Durga, Ganesha, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Draupadi Amman, Periyachi, Kaliamman, Aravan, Vinayagar, Viswanathar, Anjaneyar, and more.
Highlights:
- Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai.
- Recognised as a National Monument in 1973. This temple is almost 200 years old and a national monument, was reopened to the public after a year of restoration work.
- Twelve skilled sculptors and seven metal and wood artisans from India helped with the restoration. They kept the temple’s original colours and design. About 20,000 devotees attended the special ceremony, which happens once every 12 years.
- Dravidian architecture: iconic 5-tier gopuram, richly painted mandapam ceiling, prakaram with vimanams
- Hosts Theemithi (fire-walking festival) every October–November
During Aadi Fridays, special Abishekams (e.g., kumkum, turmeric), lamp offerings, and hundreds of devotees converge—especially at the prominent Amman shrines, including Mariamman, Periyachi, Draupadi, and Kaliamman.
2. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Address: 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042
Principal Deities: Goddess Kali and Parvati (a fierce form of Shakti/Amman)
Architecture: Typical South Indian Dravidian style with tall rajagopuram
Shrines Present: Numerous forms of Kali (22 variants), Periyachi, Vinayagar, Vishalakshi, Lakshmi, Durgai, Dakshinamoorthy, Shani, and more
Highlights
- This temple becomes a powerhouse of devotion during Aadi: devotees perform fire rituals, chant hymns, conduct Kaavadi, and make offerings to Kali and Periyachi. The temple also organizes annadanam (community meals). Special homams and abhishekam will be conducted during Aadi month.
3. Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple
Address: 555 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218174
Principal Deity: Vadapathira Kaliamman (a war-protecting form of Kali/Amman)
History & Architecture:
- Origins trace back to the 1830s under a sacred tree
- Renovated in 1984 and again in 2016 (Maha Kumbhabhishekam)
- At entrance: twin idols of Garuda and Hanuman (4.2 m tall)
During Aadi, intense worship takes place including homams, archana, and family offerings, drawing large numbers seeking courage, protection, and prosperous new beginnings.
4. Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple (Toa Payoh)
Location: Toa Payoh, Singapore
Deity: Kaliamman (Vairavi form of Amman)
Timeline: Established in 1860, moved in 1921, reconstructed in Toa Payoh in 1982; preschool (Saraswathi Kindergarten) began here
Highlights
- Aadi celebrations here include Periyachi pooja, Makara Deepam, and Sandal Kumbha Abhishekams, drawing devotees who believe in blessings for fertility, protection of children, and family wellbeing.
Specialization of these temples
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Aadi Fridays are considered highly auspicious for worshipping the divine feminine energy—Shakti or Amman. These sacred days are marked by rituals such as abishekams (sacred bathing of the deity), lighting of deepams (oil lamps), and Padayal (food offerings).
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Devotees observe fasts, offer turmeric and kumkum, and take vows to seek relief from ailments, harmony in family life, and overall prosperity. Many people remain deeply rooted in cultural traditions and diligently perform these rituals with devotion.
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During this time, temples transform into vibrant centers of cultural expression, hosting grand processions, devotional music, classical and folk dances, community feasts, and spiritual discourses.
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The architectural design of these temples beautifully reflects traditional Tamil culture, offering not only a spiritual experience for Singapore Tamilians but also an enriching cultural insight for foreign visitors.
