(VNF) - Ho Chi Minh City has more than 300 years of history, this is an destination that many people from many other places come to build their careers in which has the Indian. Built by Vietnam's first Indian settlers in the late 19^th century, Mariamman Hindu Temple is open daily to visitors.

Reputed to have miraculous powers, the temple was built at the end of the 19^th century and dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman. (Photo: __beatverliebt)

Only a small number of Hindus live in Ho Chi Minh City, but this colourful slice of southern India is also considered sacred by many ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese. This temple was built in 1885 by the Indian who migrated to Saigon and live nearby the temple.

Mariamman Hindu Temple worships Mariamman God – the God of excellent crop, fertile land, good heath, and happy life. The temple is three blocks west of Ben Thanh Market.

A statue of Mariamman, a Hindu goddess, sits at the front of the temple, which stands on Truong Dinh Street, only a few minutes from Saigon’s iconic Ben Thanh Market in District 1. (Source: vnexpress.net)

The outer wall of the Temple has a collection of interesting statues of different gods and goddesses like Mariamman, Vishnu, Brahma and Ganesha.

Remember to remove your shoes before stepping onto the slightly raised platform.

At the top of the gate stand statues of other gods and goddesses. (Source: vnexpress.net)

The lion to the left of the entrance used to be carried around the city in a street procession every autumn. In the shrine in the middle of the temple is Mariamman, flanked by her guardians Maduraiveeran (to her left) and Pechiamman (to her right). In front of the Mariamman figure are two linga (stylised phalluses that represent the Hindu god Shiva).

To favour the goddess of the rain you can also take some offerings placed nearby such as joss sticks, jasmine, lilies and gladioli.

The main hall of the complex (The Rajagopuram) stands twelve metres tall and inside you find a well maintained statue of Mariamman flanked by her protectors ‘Maduraiveeran’ and ‘Pechiamman’. (Source: vnexpress.net)

Mariamman Temple is open daily to visitors. (Source: vnexpress.net)

Ceremonial offerings take place twice a day for 30 minutes at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to pray for good weather and peace. The temple is not as crowded as other pagodas and churches in Ho Chi Minh City. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

This is truly one of the best temples in Ho Chi Minh City for those wishing to seek somewhere colorful but not less sacred./.

VNF