Wat Sri Maha Mariamman (Wat Khaek Silom)

Rating: 2.4/5 (14 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 20:00 (hours may be extended during festivals/major ceremonies; please check before visiting)

 

Wat Sri Maha Mariamman (Wat Khaek Silom) is a Hindu temple located at the corner of Silom Road and Pan Road in Bang Rak, right in the heart of Bangkok. What makes this place special is not only its reputation as a well-known spiritual landmark, but the chance to see living South Indian temple art set amid a modern cityscape. The richly colored stucco figures and densely detailed decorative elements across the shrine structures draw in both worshippers and architecture lovers who want to witness a distinct artistic language from another culture, seamlessly rooted in Bangkok’s urban fabric.

 

Historically, this temple emerged from a community of South Indian devotees, particularly Tamil settlers who established themselves in the Bang Rak and Silom areas from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Accounts of the temple’s beginnings often describe a modest wooden shrine created for worship of the Goddess, which later developed into a permanent temple site once suitable land was secured and sacred images were formally installed. Names frequently mentioned in documentary records include Vaitri Pradit Achi, Narai Jeti, and Gobarati. Their presence in the narrative reflects that this temple was never the work of a single individual, but rather the shared devotion of an immigrant community seeking a religious center and a place of cultural continuity in a new society.

 

What makes the name “Sri Maha Uma Devi” familiar to Thai visitors is the strong devotion to the Goddess within the Shakti tradition, which places female divinity at the center of worship. Many people come to offer prayers for personal matters, especially love, compassion, and harmony in relationships. At the same time, South Indian Hindu practice places particular emphasis on Ganesha as the deity of beginnings and success, so it is common to see worshippers follow a respectful sequence of prayer to align with ritual tradition and auspicious custom.

 

Architecturally and artistically, the temple carries a distinctly South Indian identity, most clearly expressed through its dense ornamental program and the placement of deities and motifs that fill the visual field. As you enter, the main hall stands centrally and faces toward Pan Road. At the innermost section, the sanctum area is arranged into three niches: the larger central niche enshrines the principal deity, while the left and right niches hold other important deities in the tradition. The inner ritual space is typically reserved for qualified priests (Brahmins), which helps preserve the sanctity and ceremonial order that the temple maintains.

 

Another instantly recognizable image is the large golden ceremonial pole standing prominently in the front courtyard, along with several smaller shrines that divide sacred space into carefully layered zones of meaning — from a Shiva lingam shrine, to a Brahma shrine, to areas dedicated to the deities of the seven days. Walking through the grounds is therefore not only about viewing beauty, but also about reading a sacred map through real space. During ceremonies, this becomes even more apparent, as every area is used in ways that support both individual worship and community ritual at the same time.

 

One of the times when Wat Khaek Silom receives the most attention is during the “Navaratri” festival, a major Shakti celebration honoring the Goddess. A highly anticipated highlight is the grand evening procession day. The atmosphere becomes especially vibrant, as the surrounding streets transform into a living cultural scene filled with devotees, flowers, offerings, and ceremonial rhythm. This is why many people make a point of visiting at least once — even those who do not come primarily to pray still get to experience a cultural dimension that is rare to encounter in Bangkok.

 

Getting There to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek Silom) is very convenient for public transport users. You can take the BTS to Sala Daeng Station and walk along Silom Road toward the Pan Road intersection, or take the MRT to Si Lom Station and continue on foot from nearby. The area is well served by buses and taxis, and the sidewalks are relatively continuous, making it easy to plan a visit. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, mornings or late afternoons are often recommended, and it is best to avoid major ceremony days when crowds can become especially dense.

 

 

A: It is at the corner of Silom Road and Pan Road in Bang Rak, Bangkok, and it’s very convenient to reach via BTS/MRT and on foot in the Silom area.

 

A: Sources describe its beginnings in the late reign of King Rama V, founded by the South Indian (Tamil) community living around Bang Rak and Silom, before developing into a permanent Hindu temple for the community.

 

A: The temple follows the Shakti tradition, placing the Goddess at the center of worship. It also enshrines other important deities in South Indian Hindu practice, such as Ganesha, who is commonly worshipped first for auspicious beginnings.

 

A: It is typically around late September to October each year, with key ritual days and an evening procession. Exact dates vary according to the festival calendar each year.

 

A: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep your voice low, respect ritual areas, and follow guidance from staff/priests, especially on busy ceremony days.