The Mariamman Hindu temple in Ho Chi Minh City, located near the Ben Thanh market, holds a special significance for the small community of Chinese and Vietnamese Tamil Hindus, numbering around 100 residents. As the city's sole open Hindu temple, it holds both religious and cultural importance for Hindu and non-Hindu Vietnamese alike. This temple is renowned for its reputed miraculous abilities, believed to bring luck and prosperity to its worshippers.
Constructed towards the end of the 19th century, the temple was dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu Goddess of strength, primarily serving the Chettiar community. Its architectural style reflects classical Hindu influences, with vibrant deity sculptures adorning its exterior walls, rooftops, towers, and inner shrine. Interestingly, the temple has also served as a factory for producing Joss sticks at one point in its history.
One of the temple's notable features is a towering entrance that reaches 12 meters high, adorned with sacred images and sculptures of various Hindu deities such as Shiva, Kali, Brahma, and Vishnu. Simha Vahanam, a significant deity, is prominently situated to the left of the entrance. This temple not only stands as a place of worship but also serves as a cultural and historical testament to the presence of Hinduism in Vietnam, capturing the diverse religious landscape of the city.
