Address: 45 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh ward, District 1
Mariamman Temple, built in the early 20th century, is a Hindu temple of Indian origin, located on Truong Dinh Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). The temple is also known as Ba An Pagoda,
which worships the god Mariamman. This is the god of bountiful harvests, fertile land, abundant health, smooth marriage, happy descendants... According to the remaining documents, the temple was originally just a small pavilion. The Indians built it for worship. It was not until the late 19th century that successful Indians began to raise money to build temples.
Passing through the small emerald gate, we enter the mythical world with countless gods, filled with the profound philosophy of the oldest religion of human civilization. At the southern corner of the wall, right next to the entrance gate, we will encounter a large mirror representing Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Around the mirror is a cluster of three bells including one large bell and two small bells. A liturgist at the temple said that when the temple was being repaired, only two bells remained. Although the role of the bells was not clearly defined, the administration decided to reattach the two new bells in that position in order to restore the temple's architecture to its original state as possible.
With a mysterious silence, the Indian temple is not as busy as other Buddhist temples in Saigon, but every day, there are visitors to worship and pray for good things. Temple visitors often perform a unique ritual that is to face the back of the shrine, touch and pat the stone to pray.
The temple is open every day. Morning from 07:30 to 12:00. Afternoon from 13:30 to 20:00. Particularly on Friday, the 1st day of the lunar calendar and the 15th of the lunar calendar, the temple is open all day.
Visitors to visit or worship are only allowed to light one incense stick in the main hall. Offerings such as fruits and items brought, after the offering, a part of the offerings will be extracted by the temple staff for the worshiper to bring back for blessings.
For those who first set foot in an Indian temple in Saigon, they will certainly be curious about the origin of the name of this temple. The reason the temple is called India is because it worships a goddess of Indian origin, named Mariamman.
According to the description of this goddess, Mariamman is the goddess who brings fertile land, bountiful crops, and helps people reap many fruits in production. Besides, she is also a person who always brings happiness and prosperity to the people.