Historical modifications of Mariamman Temple, Singapore

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1. Guest22688181
   

   The temple grounds were expanded in 1831 when private land was donated to the temple. This event is recorded on a stone tablet, which still stands in the temple. The inscribed text on this tablet reads "The grant N:075 With its building transferred for charity sake to Cothunda Ramasamy by Sashasalapilly son of Cuddalore Amicarapoatrapilly Singapore March 1831." The oldest parts of the existing brick structure date to 1843 and additions and alterations were subsequently conducted at various points in the history of the temple. It is believed that most of this work, especially the elaborate plaster sculptures and ornamentation, were produced by skilled craftsmen from the Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts of South India. A major part of the present structure is believed to have been built in 1862-1863. The walkway connecting the main entrance to the principal shrine was originally covered in attap, but this was destroyed in a fire in 1910. The architectural firm of Swam and Maclaren then designed a more permanent walkway in 1915. The original three tiered gopuram was constructed in 1903. It was slimmer and less richly embellished than the current tower. The sides of the tower also appeared to be more stepped than sloping. Nonetheless, it had an iconic presence in Chinatown, and was a widely recognised landmark. The present six tiered gopuram was built in 1925. It was repaired and restored with an elaborate proliferation of sculptures in the 1960s. Sri Mariamman Temple was gazetted a National Monument on 6 July 1973 by the Preservation of Monuments Board.

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