Shree Lakshi Narayan Temple (Optional)

While open to all Hindus, this temple is mainly patronized by North Indians who built it. This temple is thus built in the North Indian architectural style (contrast that to other Hindu temples you've visited).

We found that this temple was very plain and did not have intricate designs like the other Hindu temples. We were amazed to find that it was even a temple as it looked so plain that we assumed it was any other building. The colours were also plain and there was only muted colours.

What is the name of the beehive-shaped tower?

It is called the Kalish.

How different are the gateways?

The gateways, like mentioned above were really simple and did not put across explicitly that it was a temple. Other Hindu temples that we went to had extravagant gateways such as glossy wooden doors with multiple bells. However, this temple only had a plain black gate.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple (Optional)

This temple has both Chinese and Hindu devotees. What statues of deities can you find inside the temple?

We can find statues of Buddha and other fascinating relics such as barks of 'holy' trees.

When was it built and by whom?

It was built by Venerable Vutthisasara in 1927.

Leong San See Temple

What is the meaning of the name of the temple?

It means Dragon Mountain Temple.

When was it established and by whom?

It was established in 1913 by Reverend Chuan Wu.

Which deity is the temple dedicated to?

It is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin.

What school was established by the abbot of the temple in 1925?

The Leaong San School or otherwise known as School of Eternal Brightness was established by the abbot of the temple in 1925.

Race Course Road

What do the name of Race Course Road (and the names of the nearby streets) suggest about this area?

It suggests that racing activities (probably horse racing) took place in this area.

When was the Race Course opened?

It was opened in 1843.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

When was this temple built and by whom?
It was built in 1855 by Narasimhaloo Naidu.

What was it originally known as?

It was orignially known as Sri Narasimha Perumal temple.

What kind of architectural style is the temple built in?

It is built in a Dravidian architectural style.

Who is the temple dedicated to?

The temple is dedicated to Krishna, on of the incarnations of Vishnu. Perumal is another name for Krishna.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

When was this built and by whom?

It was built in 1855 by Indian labourers. However, it was originally built in wood.

*****What kind of architectural style is the temple built in?


Who is it dedicated to?

It is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kaliamman who is the Goddess of Power and the wife of Lord Shiva.
What was the original name of the temple?

It was originally known as Sunnambu Kambam Kovil or in other words, "Temple of the village of Lime".

Church of the True Light ( Optional)

This church was built in 1952 at 25-G Perak Road for which communities?

The church was built for Heng Hua and Hock Chew chinese clans.

Abdul Gafoor Mosque (National Monument)

What is the address of the mosque?

No. 41, Dunlop Street

When was the original mosque built?

The original mosque was built in 1859. Interestingly, it was built in wood!

****Who rebuilt the mosque?

Shaik Abdul Gaffoor bin Shaik Hyder rebuilt the mosque.

****What kind of style is it built in?

It is an unusual blend of arabic and renaissance architecture.

****Which community worships here?

Indians who follow the Muslim faith worship here.

Dunlop Street

What was the original name of the street?

It was originally known as Rangasamy Road.

Who was it named after?

This street was named after Major Samuel Dunlop, Inspector Genral of Police in the Straits Settlements in the 1870s. Other accounts explain that it is named after A.E Dunlop, who was the secretary and active member of the Race Course Committee in the Serangoon.

Campbell Lane

Who is Campbell lane named after?
It was named after Sir Colin Campbell (1792-1863). As Scottish field marshal, he was involved in victorious campaigns in China such as the second Sikh War, the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny.

What is the significance of the flower garlands?

Flower garlands are worn or given to show respect to an individual or deity.It is placed on statues of deities as prayer offerings, they’re also used to garland important guests during functions, as a symbol of respect.Indian women often thread pretty flowers into their hair as a form of adornment during weddings.

Can you find the information board of "The Shop of P Govindasamy Pillai?" What does it tell about the man?

Yes we did. He was a lowly immigrant who came to Singapore with only 13 Rupees. With the help of a bank loan, he embarked on a new retail career. His business included quality textiles and sarees, and soon became very successful. He eventually became the King of Textile industry. He has also helped in many worthy causes such as Sri Perumal Temple, Mount Alvernia Hosptial and the establishment of the University of Malaya.

Hastings Road

Who is Hastings Road named after?
It is named after Warren Hastings.He was the Governor General of British India.

Little India Arcade

What is the address of this cluster of buildings?

No. 48, Serangoon Road, Singapore (217959)

How old are the buildings?

They are 87 years old.

Can you find tow plaques on the pillars of the building? What information do the plaques give about the area and the people who lived there?

Chinese Villa

What is the name of the villa located at No. 37 Kerbau Road?

House of Tan Teng Niah.

Who was it named after?

It was named after him however it was built for his wife.

What was the history of the villa?

Tan Teng Niah owned several sweetmaking factories along Serangoon Road and a number of smokehouses along Kerbau Road. It is one of the last surviving Chinese villas built in the 1900s. It had 8 rooms.

Kerbay Road

Again, what does the name 'Kerbau' Road suggest about the main activity on this road?

Kerbau means buffalo in malay and it reflects the fact that cattle trade in this area was vibrant where cattle was reared due to its easy access to the nearby slaughterhouses.

Who do you think was the main community residents and working in this area? What were they selling?

They were Indians who did business using gingerly oil machines. They sold flower garlands, loose flowers, oil lamps and coconuts etc.

Buffalo Road

This is one of the oldest arterial roads in the Serangoon road area. What does the name suggest of the main activity in this area?

In the 1870s, Buffalo Road was an area used for cattle and sheep rearing. However, this was banned later from the 1930s.

Tekka Market

What does the name "Tekka" mean?

It refers to the foot of bamboo shoots.

What does "Kandang Kerbau" stand for?

It stands for buffalo pen.

What do these names tell you about this area?

This area was well known for its bull rearing activities.