Quick answer: the best-known Shiva temples in Singapore for Karthika Masam 2026 are Sri Sivan Temple in Geylang East, Sri Siva Durga Temple in Potong Pasir and Sri Siva Krishna Temple in Marsiling. By our calculation, Karthika Masam runs from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 8 December 2026 in Singapore, with Somavarams on 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December, and Karthika Pournami and Karthigai Deepam on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

This guide has been restored at its original hindutone.com address. We list only long-established temples we are sure of, with their area and main deity. We do not give darshan timings, seva prices, phone numbers or street addresses. Please check the temple's official website before you go.

Karthika Masam 2026 dates in Singapore

Karthika is the month most dear to Lord Shiva. Singapore's Hindu community is mostly Tamil, so Karthigai Deepam on the full moon is the best-known festival of the month, but Telugu, Kannada and other families also keep the whole Karthika month with lamps, Monday fasts and Shiva worship. These dates are calculated for Singapore time:

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  • Karthika Masam begins: Tuesday 10 November 2026.
  • Nagula Chavithi: Friday 13 November 2026.
  • Karthika Somavarams: Monday 16 November, Monday 23 November, Monday 30 November and Monday 7 December 2026.
  • Devutthana Ekadashi and Ksheerabdi Dwadashi: Saturday 21 November and Sunday 22 November 2026, a day later than in India.
  • Karthika Pournami and Karthigai Deepam: Tuesday 24 November 2026. Purnima tithi runs from 2:13 AM to 10:54 PM on Tuesday 24 November (Singapore time), and sunset is about 6:54 PM, so the evening lamp falls inside the Purnima.
  • Masik Shivaratri: Monday 7 December 2026, which is also the last Somavaram.
  • Karthika Masam ends: Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Amavasya).

Some of these days have a tithi change very close to sunrise, so a temple calendar may differ by a day. Confirm on Drik Panchang for Singapore, or follow your temple's own calendar. For the full month, see our Karthika Masam 2026 in Singapore guide.

The temples at a glance

TempleCity / areaMain deity
Sri Sivan TempleSingapore (Geylang East)Lord Shiva (Sivan)
Sri Siva Durga TempleSingapore (Potong Pasir)Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga
Sri Siva Krishna TempleSingapore (Marsiling, Woodlands)Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna

Shiva temples in Singapore

1. Sri Sivan Temple, Geylang East

Sri Sivan Temple is the best-known temple in Singapore dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest Hindu temples in the country. Over its long history it has moved more than once as the city grew, and it now stands in Geylang East, in the east of the island. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Sivan in the linga form, with shrines to other deities in the South Indian tradition. Like several major Hindu temples in Singapore, it is administered under the Hindu Endowments Board.

For many Singapore families, this is the first choice for Karthika Somavaram darshan, Pradosham and Shivaratri. Expect larger crowds on Monday evenings and on Karthigai Deepam. Check the temple's official website for current timings and for abhishekam bookings.

2. Sri Siva Durga Temple, Potong Pasir

Sri Siva Durga Temple in Potong Pasir, in the central-north part of Singapore, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, as its name says. It is a community temple in the Tamil tradition and is convenient for families living around Toa Payoh, Serangoon and Bidadari. Devotees often combine worship of Shiva and of the Divine Mother here, which suits Karthika, a month sacred to both Shiva and Shakti. Check the temple's official website before you visit.

3. Sri Siva Krishna Temple, Marsiling

Sri Siva Krishna Temple in Marsiling, in the Woodlands area of northern Singapore, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. Worshipping Shiva and Vishnu together is very fitting in Karthika, because the month is sacred to both. The temple is a practical choice for families in the north of the island who cannot travel to Geylang East on a weekday evening. Check the temple's official website for current timings.

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Karthigai Deepam and Murugan temples

Karthigai Deepam is also closely linked with Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva. Singapore's well-known Murugan temple, Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, is not a Shiva temple, but many Tamil families visit it during this season as well. Lighting a lamp at any temple, or at home, on the full moon evening is the heart of the festival.

What to offer at a Shiva temple in Karthika

  • A lamp: a ghee or sesame oil lamp is the main offering of Karthika. Use the area the temple provides for lamps.
  • Bilva leaves and flowers: bilva is especially dear to Shiva. White flowers such as jasmine are also traditional. Ask at Indian flower stalls for both.
  • Fruit and coconut: simple, clean offerings are best. Hand them to the priest or place them where the temple asks.
  • Abhishekam: book abhishekam through the temple office. Do not pour water or milk on the linga yourself unless the temple allows it.
  • Mantra: chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" while you circle the shrine is enough. A long ritual is not needed.

Temple etiquette in Singapore

  • Dress: wear modest, traditional clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
  • Shoes and phones: leave shoes at the rack and follow each temple's rules on photography.
  • Crowds: Monday evenings and Karthigai Deepam are the busiest times. Weekday mornings are calmer for elders and children.
  • Getting there: public transport is usually the easiest way to reach temples on busy festival evenings.
  • Timings: check the temple's official website for current timings, as arrangements change in festival months.

Keeping Karthika at home

If you cannot visit a temple on every Monday, Karthika can be kept fully at home. Light a lamp at dawn and at dusk, eat simple vegetarian food or fast on Mondays, and offer bilva leaves or flowers to a Shiva linga or picture. On Karthigai Deepam evening, light a row of small clay lamps at your door, safely and within your building's rules. Our Karthika Masam 2026 rules and Karthika Somavaram 2026 guides explain the customs. For families with relatives in America, see our guide to Shiva temples to visit during Karthika Masam 2026 in the USA.

Frequently asked questions

When is Karthika Masam 2026 in Singapore?

By our calculation, Karthika Masam 2026 begins on Tuesday 10 November and ends on Tuesday 8 December 2026 in Singapore. The Somavarams are 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December, and Karthika Pournami and Karthigai Deepam fall on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Confirm on Drik Panchang for Singapore or your temple's calendar.

Which is the main Shiva temple in Singapore?

Sri Sivan Temple in Geylang East is the best-known temple in Singapore dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the country and is the natural first choice for Karthika Somavaram darshan.

Is Karthigai Deepam the same as Karthika Pournami?

In 2026 they fall on the same day in Singapore, Tuesday 24 November. Tamil families celebrate Karthigai Deepam by lighting rows of lamps at home and in temples, while Telugu and Kannada families observe Karthika Pournami with lamps and Shiva worship. Both honour the sacred light of the Karthika full moon.

Why might my temple's calendar differ by a day?

Several Karthika days in Singapore in 2026, including 16 November and 7 December, have a tithi change very close to sunrise. Different panchangams handle this differently, so a temple calendar may show a festival a day earlier or later. Follow your temple's own calendar for its pujas.

What should I offer at a Shiva temple in Karthika?

A ghee or sesame oil lamp, bilva leaves, white flowers and fruit are traditional offerings. For abhishekam, book through the temple office rather than pouring anything yourself, and follow the priest's guidance.

Where can I find temple timings?

We do not list timings, prices or contact details, because they change, especially in festival months. Please check the temple's official website for current timings and puja bookings.

Editor's note

Editor's note (6 October 2026): This guide has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. We list only long-established Singapore temples we are confident about, with their area and main deity. Singapore dates for Karthika Masam 2026 are calculated with the HinduTone panchang calculator using Drik-style rules; several days fall close to a sunrise tithi boundary, so please confirm on Drik Panchang or with your temple. We do not give timings, prices or contact details. Please check the temple's official website before you visit.