Mariamman Temple, Ho Chi Minh City

Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple in central Ho Chi Minh City distinguished by a 12-meter-high Raja-gopuram decorated with statues of deities including Ganesha, Muruga, Lakshmi, Nataraja, Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, and Kali. The structure follows South Indian architectural traditions and offers detailed representations of Hindu religious iconography.

The temple was founded in the late 19th century by a merchant from Pattukkottai in Tamil Nadu, establishing a place of worship for the Indian community. Its construction reflects the presence of Indian traders and settlers who arrived during the French colonial period.

This place serves as a spiritual center for the Tamil community and hosts regular ceremonies that keep South Indian traditions alive in the city. Visitors can observe these rituals and see how the worship of the goddess Mariamman integrates into local religious life.

The temple is located in central District 1 and requires visitors to remove their shoes before entering, with morning and evening prayer sessions regularly held. It is best to plan your visit around these times to experience the space while it is being actively used.

The temple is frequented by Vietnamese and Sino-Vietnamese worshippers alongside the Indian community, showing how religious practices cross cultural boundaries. This blending of worship traditions reveals an unexpected layer of religious diversity in the city.