Mariamman Hindu Temple is the principal temple for the Hindus in Ho Chi Minh City. It is dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu goddess of strength, and a major deity for the Tamil Hindus who form a small minority in Ho Chi Minh City. Many of the worshippers at the temple are Buddhists who come here looking for good luck.
Mariamman Hindu Temple, Ho Chi Minh City http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SaigonTamiltmp.jpg Robert
The Mariaman Temple was built in the late 19th century. It has been well maintained with assistance from the government. The entrance is topped with a gopuram, or entrance tower, similar to the gopura of ancient Angkor. This is a multi-tier structure with figurines of deities on every level. The gopuram is painted in a multitude of colors.
A raised wall encloses the compound of the temple. The walls surrounding the compound have niches with various images of Hindu deities set into them. At the center of the compound is the sanctuary. The statue of the deity Mariamman is surrounded by other Hindu deities, including Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. There are also two lingam, symbolic representative of the deity Shiva.
At the rear of the Mariamman temple is a prayer wall. Here, you can often see worshippers pressing their heads with the hope that the goddess will be able to hear their prayers clearly.
Location
The Mariamman Hindu temple is located at 45 Truong Dinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.