21/11/2024
High-tech restoration for Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple at the URA Architectural Heritage Awards (Special Mention)
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.
The year-long, $3.5 million restoration by a team comprising Caide Architects and local conservation specialist Maek Consulting, in collaboration with the temple’s administrator, the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB), started in 2021 and included high-tech techniques using drone technology.
The jury citation called it a “true labour of love”, combining scientific investigation with traditional craftsmanship.
Established in 1827, it is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mariamman – believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu mother of creation.
The Sthapati tradition of preserving ancient Dravidian architecture:
To adhere strictly to ancient Hindu scriptures governing temple design, 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.
“Sri Mariamman Temple has unique features, representative of Singapore’s multicultural background,” says Dr Dakshinamoorthy, an architect and sculptor.
“Examples of these are the trefoil arches in the temple hall and circular windows at the entrance, which are rare in Indian temple design. We had to ensure that these unique features are carefully preserved."
As a monument to Hindu temple architecture in Singapore, it was also necessary to ensure the paintings, frescoes and sculptural figurines retained their original colour and form.
Find more Singapore STories only in The Straits Times, the nation's newspaper of record, which marks its 180th year in 2025.
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/home-design/2024-architectural-heritage-awards-winners-raise-the-bar-in-heritage-conservation
