<p>Sri Mariamman Temple, located in the heart of Chinatown, is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple and a key landmark for generations of worshippers. It was founded by Naraina Pillai, a clerk with the British East India Company who arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.</p><p></p><p>Pillai, a successful businessman and leader of the Indian community, was first allocated land on Telok Ayer Street. However, due to the lack of fresh water, he was granted the current site on South Bridge Road in 1823, where a wooden and attap temple was built by 1827.</p><p></p><p> The temple evolved over time: a brick and plaster structure was added in 1843, and a major reconstruction took place in 1962 with intricate Indian-style sculptures. The original gopuram (tower) built in the late 1800s was later redesigned in the 1930s and restored in the 1960s.</p><p></p><p>The first known kumbabishegam (consecration) was in 1936, followed by ceremonies in 1949, 1971, 1984, and 1996. The temple also served as a refuge for new immigrants and was the only authorized venue for Hindu marriages in the past. Its major festival is Theemithi (fire-walking), held annually in October or November.</p><p></p><p>Other significant festivals include Navarathiri and 1008 Sankabishegam.</p>