Mariamman Hindu Temple: A sacred Indian temple in Ho Chi Minh City

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Mariamman Hindu Temple in Ho Chi Minh City has unique architecture (Source: Collected)

Vietnam has many spiritual places, typically temples and pagodas built by Vietnamese people or Chinese emigrants with an ancient Eastern-Asian style. Mariamman Hindu Temple appears as an exclusive destination for both Hindu followers and travel enthusiasts. As one of three Hindu temples in Ho Chi Minh City, this temple plays an important role in enriching cultural diversity and promoting religious harmony in Vietnam.

1. An overview of Mariamman Temple Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: No. 45, Truong Dinh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Located right at the center of Ho Chi Minh City, near Ben Thanh market and Saigon Post Office, it is easy for visitors to get here through many different routes and different kinds of vehicles. 

The entrance of Mariamman Temple Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Mariamman Hindu Temple is also known by a generic name: Indian Temple. The reason why it is called Mariamman Hindu Temple is that it worships an Indian god named Mariamman.

Mariamman is a beautiful woman wearing a red dress and has many arms. The goddess Mariamman supports and blesses the people believing in her with good weather, so they can have good harvests through all four seasons. She also brings a happy marriage to couples, as well as health, wealth, and luck.

The goddess Mariamman in red dress with many arms (Source: Collected)

2. Explore the history of Mariamman Temple Ho Chi Minh City

Mariamman Hindu Temple was built in the late 19th century by Indian traders. In the beginning, it was just a small temple that only allowed Hindu followers to enter.

There was one time when the temple was inhabited for several years. In 1990, the temple went under the administration of the authority of District 1.

From 1950 to 1952, the temple was rebuilt by some Indian businessmen living in Ho Chi Minh City. It became a place for them to practice their belief, pray for wealth, luck, and good business. Nowadays, the temple is more than 100 years old.

Mariamman Hindu Temple Vietnam after being rebuilt (Source: Collected)

The new Hindu Temple in Ho Chi Minh City bears the typical architectural features of India. It has a mysterious beauty that has been attracting a lot of people. Some materials and statues were built by Tamil craftsmen and imported from India. A large part of the temple was designed by the Indian people in Vietnam.

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3. Admire the unique architecture of Mariamman Hindu Temple

As Ho Chi Minh City is becoming more and more modernized with the development of new skyscrapers in recent years, ancient architecture is getting even more attention from the people. Along with Vietnamese and Chinese pagodas and temples, Mariamman Hindu Temple is a popular attraction in the city thanks to its spiritual significance and special architecture.

The main altar of the goddess Mariamman (Source: Collected)

The structure of Mariamman Hindu Temple includes a main altar worshiping the goddess Mariamman and two protectors at two sides, which are Pechiamman on the right and Maduraiveeran on the left.

Another highlight of the temple is the 18 deity figures sitting on a U-shaped wall behind the main altar. They have different appearances symbolizing different wishes of people.

Located on the left is the Simha Vahanam lion – a sacred animal of the goddess Mariamman. Therefore, It is believed that touching the statue of the lion can bring good luck and health to people.

4. How to get to Mariamman Hindu Temple in Ho Chi Minh City?

The temple is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, it is very easy for people to get here. You can rent a vehicle or use a ride hailing application. Motorbike rental usually ranges between 100,000 – 150,000 VND (around 4-7 USD) a day. Or you can take buses number 44 or 105, which both have stops near the temple.

Mariamman Hindu Temple viewed from outside (Source: Collected)

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5. Things to do and some notes for a visit to Mariamman Hindu Temple

5.1 Things to do at Mariamman Hindu Temple

According to Hinduism, people who take part in a consecrating fire ritual of the god Agni can receive the blessing of happiness, wealth, health, and luck. At Mariamman Hindu Temple, this ritual is held twice a day at 10 am and 7 pm. Therefore, people tend to come to the temple at these times to receive the “sacred fire”, in hope of getting good luck in their life. Other people also visit the temple to witness and experience this spiritual ceremony.

People praying in the temple (Source: Collected)

When visiting Mariamman Hindu Temple, you can buy flowers, incense, candles, rice, and heating oil to give ritual offerings to the goddess. You can kneel or stand to pray for your relatives, friends, and yourself in the middle of the hall. 

5.2 Notes for a visit to Mariamman Hindu Temple

Here are what you need to know before visiting this Indian temple in Ho Chi Minh City:

• The parking area is only for motorbikes. If you drive a car, you can park in a parking lot nearby.
• The temple opens from 7:30 AM to 12 PM and from 1:30 PM to 8 PM.
• On every Friday, on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, the temple opens all day.
• Offerings will be checked carefully before putting on the altar.
• Dress politely.

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With over 100 years of establishment and development, Mariamman Hindu Temple is proof of cultural diversity in Ho Chi Minh City. It shows the beauty of Hinduism in particular and Indian architecture in general. Coming here to admire the unique temple and take part in spiritual activities will definitely bring you unforgettable experiences.

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