I spent the first day of May-slash-Labor Day visiting Hindu and Chinese temples. I was with dad and my sister, Kate. My mum and my other sister, Jazz, did not go because my mum was not feeling well and Jazz decided to be mum’s company in the flat. I’m completely aware that her actual reason for not coming along was her absolute freedom of the laptop and the internet. Hahaha. We went off at about 10:30 am after we ate breakfast.

Our first stop was in Little India, just roughly 30 minutes away from Woodlands. It was scorching heat when we went out from the car. Good thing I had my handy-dandy sunglasses with me. Hahaha. We walked for about 5 minutes from the parking lot to the first temple in Little India.

The first temple is located along Serangoon Road. It’s called Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

There were many tourists who also went to take a look at the temple, mostly Caucasians. At first, we were hesistant to enter but when a Korean photographer entered, we entered too. Before entering, we removed our shoes because the temple is sacred. We found them doing their worships when we entered. I was very careful when I was taking photographs because I might ruin what they are doing. But they actually don’t care if you go around the temple while they do their worships, I think they’re already used to it.

After I’m satisfied with what I have taken, we decided to leave. I noticed, before a worshipper leaves the temple, it is a must that they must ring the bells in the door. I don’t know what it is for but it seemed important and part of their ritual.

Next stop was supposed to be a Muslim temple, but there were no other tourists in the area unlike in the Hindu Temple, so we did not go. I took a couple of pictures, though.

So our official second stop was the temple also along Serangoon Road. It think it’s near Mustafa Centre. The temple is called Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, it is relatively bigger, more silent, and cleaner than the first temple we went. When we were there, there were no other tourists around except us. Unfortunately, we did not enter the temple because we think it’s not permitted for non-worshippers. The temple is really nice and tall. What I love most about the temple is its tower. It is colorful and really wonderful with the clouds behind it.

Before the worshippers enter the temple, unlike in Sri Veeramakaliamman where they will just need to go barefoot, they must first clean their feet.

We finished at about quarter to 12. We should have eaten in an Indian restaurant before leaving since it’s already lunch time but my sister and I refused because we don’t really like Indian food especially dishes with curry. I just can’t stand the smell (no offense). But I like and do eat Roti Prata, though.

So, that wraps up our Little India visit. It was a short yet nice experience, for me at least, since it was my first time to enter a different religion’s place of worship.

—-

I’m gonna continue this entry in a new entry, it’s long already. Next topic: Chinatown visit. :-)