Singapore Sri Krishnan Temple Timings
Morning: 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Evening: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
About Singapore Sri Krishnan Temple:
Impossible to miss while visiting Waterloo Street, the colourful Sri Krishnan Temple is a Hindu temple in Singapore dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Rukmini. Initially established as a tiny shrine under a banyan tree, the temple today comprises of a large prayer hall and a massive four-storeyed annexe, contained within a 1008 square metre compound. Standing in close proximity to the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Sri Krishnan Temple draws pilgrims and tourists from various religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The location of Sri Krishnan Temple was decided upon after considering the religious needs of the Hindu community in Singapore, with many of them being concentrated in the area bound by Bras Basah Road, Victoria Street and Albert Street. It is built in the classic South Indian style of architecture as per the rules prescribed by the Agama Sastra. The dome, built above the main shrine, is a magnificent blend of copper and gold plating adorned with intricate carvings of various Hindu deities, forming the tallest part of the temple complex. Throughout the temple, one can find elaborate and colourful carvings and sculpture of Hindu deities and depictions of Hindu Mythology. With a shrine dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess Guan Yin, this divine temple stands as a symbol for the harmonious, multi-religious and multi-cultural society prevalent in Singapore.
The magnificent temple is built in the classic South Indian architectural style as per the Agama Sastra, a Hindu text that sets the rules for the construction of Hindu temples. The main entrance decorated with statues of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, a Hindu deity, Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu, and other segments of Hindu mythology and traditions. Statues studded with semi-precious stones adorn the gopuram, an integral architectural element of South Indian temples.
The main shrine is made of ground Chinese pebbles and granite, featuring multiple cornices and pilasters. The dome, the tallest feature of the temple, covers the main shrine, measuring an impressive height of 8 metres. This copper and gold plated structure are adorned with intricate design work and sculptures of various deities. Visitors can see the dome from the temple hall that faces the shrine through a skylight installed on top of it. The temple annexe features a basement and multi-purpose rooms.
Sri Krishnan Temple was founded in 1870 by Hanuman Beem Singh when he installed an idol of Lord Krishna beneath a banyan tree that stood on Waterloo Street. This was done to serve the religious needs of the growing Hindu community that had been established in the surrounding area. The main shrine was built in 1904 after a change in management, with the dome that covers it being built-in 1933.
In 1935, management of the temple passed on to V Pakirisamy Pillai, who was responsible for the addition of the temple halls and walls. Sri Krishnan Temple underwent numerous renovations between 1985 and 1989, with the final structure being unveiled in November 1989. In 2014, the gopuram, main prayer hall and the walls of the complex were gazetted for conservation by the Singaporean authorities.
How To Reach Sri Krishnan Temple:
By Bus: The Fortune Ctr Bus Stop is the closest bus stop to the temple, located at a distance of 100 metres. One can arrive here by bus 56 and 980.
By MRT: The closest MRT station is the Bencoolen MRT Station, a 5-minute walk from the temple. This station can be accessed through the Downtown Line.
Sri Krishnan Temple Address:
152 Waterloo Street,
Singapore 187961
