Description

The temple is an arresting sight, all the more for its incongruent setting in Chinatown. Built in 1873, it is the most elaborate Hindu temple in the country. Its gate tower is embellished with ornate sculptures of Hindu deities and its floors and walls marbled with Italian and Spanish tiles. This is the country's oldest temple and it occupies an important place in Hindu religious life.

Inside, many Hindu worshipers offers prayers to the four-armed goddess. Visitors must remove their footwear before entering the temple. Outside, vendors sell fragrant jasmine flowers strung into garlands and Indian sweets.