Little India and Arab Street

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Biult by indentured Bengali labourers in1881, this temple is dedictated to the Hindu Goddess Kali, the consort of Shiva. She is known as the Goddess of Power and the name "Veeramakaliamman" means, "Kali the Courageous". On the holy days (Tuesdays and Fridays), the streets are busy with devotees on their way to pray, worship and make requests to Kali for blessings. This temple is closed between 12:30pm and 4:00pm everyday. Note that women who are undergoing the monthly cycle are considered "unclean" and are not allowed to enter temple grounds.

In this temple, the main shrine contains a jet black statue of Kali, with her sons Ganesha and Murugan on each side. Kali is represented as having many pairs of arms and hands, and in her hands she carries the weapons of destruction. Ganesha the elephant god is best known as the Remover of Obstacles. Murugan is often depicted as riding a peacock and his birthday is celebrated by the Thaipusam festival. This spectacular two-day celebration is held during the full moon of the auspicious Hindu month of Thai. This usually occurs in late January.

Central Sikh Temple
Built to commemorate the 518th anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. It houses the Granth Sahih, or holy book and is the main religious facility of Singapore's 15,000 Sikhs. This temple was awarded the Singapore Institute of Architects Architectural Design Award in 1986.