SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE (SPECIAL MENTION)

HIGH-TECH RESTORATION FOR SINGAPORE'S OLDEST HINDU TEMPLE

When the newly unveiled restoration of Sri Mariamman Temple took place on Feb 12, 2023 as part of the temple's grand consecration, more than 20,000 devotees turned up for the event in South Bridge Road, with some queuing since dawn.

HEB consulted with a traditional temple architect or "sthapati" from Chennai, Dr Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati. He flew here with 12 Indian temple artisans in 2022. He found that the temple had gone through several major redevelopments since around 1862, when the initial wooden structure later became a concrete building. Some early parts were constructed using granite stones and bricks, while later sections used reinforced concrete. For instance, the gopuram and vimanams belong to different eras and were constructed using a range of materials.

The restoration required an in-depth study of the materials used and the works carried out over time, and using the appropriate restoration methods.

As one of the Hindu temples here with the most number of religious events held throughout the year, wear and tear had been extensive.