Mariamman temple also known as Chua Ba Mariammanwas built for the Chettiyar community from South India who came as traders long time back. Chua is a temple in Vietnamese. It is said to be built in the early 20th century. Goddess Mariamman or Parvati is worshipped here.
The temple is believed to have miraculous powers.
The temple is believed to have miraculous powers.
The temple deity is worshipped as fertility goddess. In North part of India, she is worshipped as Parvati and Durga, whereas in Bengal is venerated as Kali.
entrance to temple
The temple when built was just a small place which was covered with a corrugated iron sheet. From 1950-52, the temple was renovated to its present form.
Building materials along with statues were imported from South India built by Tamil craftsmen.
The temple is very close to the Ban Thanh market and is easily noticeable by the multicolored painted sculptors on top of the temple. Before the entrance, shops sell offerings of coconut, flowers etc.
gopuram of temple
The most attractive feature of the temple is the three-storey gopuram or the entrance tower of temple. The colorful gopuram is decorated with sculpture and carvings of themes from Hindu mythology.
The temple has five (odd number) kalasha on top.
inside the temple
On entering the temple, your eyes fall on the temple deity. A Shivlinga stands in front of the goddess.
main shrine
The area is cordoned off and permits only those who come to pray or make offerings. Casual visitors are not permitted inside the area.
Just above the main altar is Goddess Mariamman with her sons--- Ganesha and Kartikeya or Murugan
close up of goddess
Inside compound wall of temple has images of Lakshmi, Vishnu, Krishna.
Lord Ganesha and Murugana, sons of Mariamman are placed on her right and left side inside the temple respectively.
offerings on table
The temple is said to have great miraculous powers and is reverred not only by Hindus but by ethinic Vietnamese and Chinese also. Offerings are made of coconut, fruits, bottles of oil and flowers.
On either side of Goddess Mariamman, are two small temples in which are two deities. The black-painted stone statues are Maduraiveeran to her left and Pechiamman to her right. These two are said to be her guardians. They are called "Co" and "Cau" in Vietnamese.
roof of guardian temple
Simha Vahanm
Simha: lion and vahanam: vehicle or mount. Every autumn, the Goddess is placed on this lion and taken around the city on ashtami, the eighth day of the nine day festival of navratris.
Temple timings: 0700 hours to 1900 hours, lunch break-- 1200 to 1300 hours
Admission fee: free
Shoes need to be taken off before entering the temple.
A beautiful temple and worth a visit.
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