Photo by Adam Jones (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Sri Maha Mariamman
Main Hindu temple in Bangkok
Sri Maha Mariamman is the main Hindu temple in Bangkok. Also known as Uma Devi temple, the sanctuary is dedicated to Mariamman, the Goddess of rain.
The gopura entrance tower and interior of the traditional South Indian temple are intricately adorned with very colorful carved images of Hindu deities. The three shrines are dedicated to Mariamman, Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Known to Thais as Wat Khaek, which means Indian temple, Sri Maha Mariamman is often busy with worshippers.
The Goddess of rain
The temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the Goddess of rain, worshipped mainly in South India. Devotees also pray to Mariamman for fertility and to cure certain diseases. Mariamman is usually depicted as a beautiful young woman, often holding a trident.
Built in 1879
Sri Maha Mariamman temple was completed in 1879. When India was colonized by the British empire, a number of people decided to leave their country and settle in Bangkok. One of them was Vaithi, a gemstone trader from Tamil Nadu, who built the temple in the Silom area of Bangkok.
South Indian architecture
The temple’s South Indian architecture is distinctly different from the Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Beautiful mosaic artwork depict Hindu deities as Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Shiva.
Entrance gopura
Entrance to the temple is through a gopura, an entrance gate. The six meter high gopura is adorned with very colorful or ornate carved depictions of Hindu deities.
Photo by Chainwit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Three shrines
Inside are three shrines. The central shrine, a gilded dome, is dedicated to the main deity Mariamman. The dome enshrines a small image of the deity. The other two shrines are dedicated to Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Around the temple are statues of other Hindu deities as Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati.
Vibrant atmosphere
The atmosphere at the temple is vibrant, the small temple can get crowded with Hindu, Thai and Chinese worshippers.
Make an offering
Every day worshippers come to the temple. Priests accept offerings as flowers and fruits put on trays. After receiving the offering, the priest gives a blessing and puts a kumkum tilak, a red dot on the forehead of the devotee.
Nearby kiosks sell garlands, flowers and incense for worshippers.
Navaratri festival
In September or October depending on the lunar calendar devotees celebrate the ten day Navaratri festival. In the colorful Navaratri festival parade the image of Mariamman is carried in procession along Silom Road and surrounding streets.
Opening hours
Sri Maha Mariamman temple opens daily.
Monday to Thursday from 6 am until 8 pm.
Friday from 6 am until 9 pm.
Saturday and Sunday from 6 am until 8:30 pm.
Please dress appropriately and take off your shoes before going inside. Photography inside the temple is not allowed.
Location
Sri Maha Mariamman is located on the corner of Silom Road and Pan Road in the Silom area of Bangkok. It is in walking distance from the Mahanakhon tower, the highest building in Thailand.
How to get to there
You can get there by BTS Sky Train, taxi or tuk tuk.
There is no MRT Subway station in the area.
BTS Sky Train
The nearest BTS Sky Train stations are Chong Nonsi and Surasak, both on the Silom Line. From either, it takes about five to ten minutes to get to the temple on foot.
Taxi or tuk tuk
If you are in Silom, you can take a tuk tuk.
Otherwise, take a metered taxi.
Entrance fee
Entrance is free.
Nearby attractions
- Wat Yannawa boat temple
- Assumption Cathedral
- Holy Rosary Church
- Iconsiam luxury mall
- Mahanakhon tower & Skywalk
- Chong Nonsi BTS Train Station
- Sathorn Chao Phraya River Express Boat pier
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