Hinduism in Singapore
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[edit] Beginnings of Hinduism in Singapore
The early 19th century saw a wave of immigrants from southern India, mostly Tamils, to work as coolies and labourers for the British East India Company in Singapore. These immigrants brought along their religion and culture from their homeland as well. Their arrival saw the building of temples throughout the island in the arresting Dravidian form of architecture, and the beginnings of a vibrant Hindu culture.
Though the labourers were mostly responsible for introducing and preserving their religion in their new home, in later times, monetary contributions were made by the richer Hindu merchants to build up the makeshift shacks that served as their place of worship. The temples also served to hold the community together, being a source of comfort to those far away in a foreign land.
[edit] The first Hindu temple
The first temple, Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, was built as early as 1827 by Narayana Pillai, a clerk to Sir Stamford Raffles; it was dedicated to the Tamil goddess Mariamman, an incarnation of the Mother Goddess, and who is believed to have the power to cure diseases. He first erected a wooden, thatched hut on this site that he had purchased in 1823. The present temple was completed by 1863.
[edit] Architecture
The temples are all built in the Dravidian style, mainly the Tamil style seen largely in Tamil Nadu, India. This style is known for its imposing 'gopurams' or entrance towers, complex friezes, intricate carvings and paintings or murals done on the walls and ceilings.
[edit] Today
There are currently about thirty main temples in Singapore, dedicated to various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon. Today, two government bodies deal with all Hindu affairs — The Hindu Endowments Board and The Hindu Advisory Board. Hindus make up a minority, comprising some 4% of the total population. According to the 2000 census there were 99,904 adult Hindus in Singapore. If the children are also included then the figure becomes 160,708.
[edit] Hindu religious festivals
Some of the major Hindu festivals celebrated every year include Deepavali, Thaipusam, Pongal and Tamil New Year.
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