As I look back to 2010 and contemplate the pivotal events that initially brought me to Ho Chi Minh City, a journey I’ve undertaken almost every year since, with just a single exception, I am compelled to share the unexpected moments and the spiritually enriching experiences I’ve encountered at the magnificent Mariamman Temple in District 1 of HCMC, Vietnam. Additionally, I am excited to showcase photographs of this temple.
As a chemist managing my own business, my regular routine involved attending the CPHI meetings in Shanghai, China. These meetings allowed me to connect with new manufacturers and strengthen relationships with established chemical manufacturers. Typically, I would fly to Shanghai, attend the meetings, and return promptly to San Francisco. However, in 2010, I decided to break away from this monotony and explore other Asian countries. I booked a ticket to take a detour to Thailand before heading back to San Francisco.
Prior to my trip, I informed a friend in Shanghai about my plan to visit Thailand on my way home. In response, my friend expressed concerns about the ongoing local unrest in Bangkok and strongly advised against proceeding with my Thailand plans. Panicked by this cautionary advice, I decided to cancel my Thailand trip and opt for a direct return to San Francisco.
When I contacted United Airlines to cancel my Thailand itinerary and book a direct flight to San Francisco, I encountered a friendly and helpful customer service representative from United Airlines who presented me with a game-changing choice. Instead of simply canceling my Thai visit, I was given the option to choose from three alternative cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, or Cambodia. Guided by what felt like destiny, I made the spontaneous decision to explore Ho Chi Minh City, despite never having planned to visit Vietnam before. This unexpected journey was prompted by the Bangkok unrest and, surprisingly, led me to discover the beauty of Vietnam.
“As soon as my Vietnam trip was confirmed, I began researching the best places to stay, what to do and what not to do in HCMC, and other safety measures to take while there. Meanwhile, I received a response from my close friend, mentioning that her family had temporarily relocated to HCMC for business purposes. The prospect of meeting her on foreign soil after 6 years was an unexpected and delightful surprise.”
“While searching for a hotel, I came across a Mariamman temple located in district one. Since Mariamman is one of our village deities, I was very excited about the prospect of staying close to this temple and visiting her every day during my stay. This led me to choose the Hoang Hai Long Hotel, as it is just a few minutes’ walk from the temple.”
Visa Requirements for Visiting Vietnam: A valid visa is required for entry into Vietnam. During my initial trip to HCMC in 2010, I visited the Vietnamese consulate in San Francisco to obtain my visa. At that time, I applied for a single-entry visa and opted for an expedited processing service for an additional fee. However, a significant challenge arose in finding suitable parking and dealing with the costly parking fees. In recent times, I have chosen to work with Heidi, my Vietnamese travel agent at Lite Travel, to handle my visa needs. Heidi has proven to be incredibly friendly and helpful. I rely on Lite Travel not only for securing my Vietnam visa but also for passport renewal. While a nominal handling fee is charged for these services, the convenience and assistance provided by Lite Travel make it worthwhile.
In 2010, I took a United Airlines flight to HCMC via Narita, and upon arrival, I had to change to another United flight. I recall the flight landing early in the morning, around 1 AM. After going through customs, I approached a service table where I booked a taxi to my hotel and also purchased a local SIM card before exiting the airport. The journey to the hotel was uneventful, and the check-in process at the hotel was smooth. However, to my surprise, the receptionist held onto my passport and informed me that they would return it during check-out. This was a new experience for me, and I emphasized the importance of returning my passport. It’s interesting to note how procedures have evolved over the years, and now, they typically do not hold passports at hotels anymore.
At this point, it’s crucial to address the status of my business. My one-man company struggled to secure enough projects to generate sufficient profits. With the temple conveniently located within walking distance, I wanted to visit in the mornings and evenings, engaging in prayers with the hope of improving my financial situation
From my hotel, it was just a five-minute walk to the temple, situated on a bustling road. As I approached, I couldn’t miss the impressive, tall, and colorful Rajagopuram gracing the main entrance, adorned with intricate sculptures. The outer wall was embellished with red tiles, enhancing the temple’s visual charm. At the entrance, several vendors offered items such as sesame oil, tender coconut, and garlands for devotees to purchase and present to the Goddess.
As soon as we entered the temple, we were greeted by the main sanctum of Goddess Mariamman, flanked by two smaller sanctums on both sides. To the right of Mariamman was the sanctum of Goddess Petchi Amman, while to the left stood the sanctum of God Maduriveeran
“There is another room or sanctum next to Goddess Mariamman, with Lord Ganesha on the right side and Lord Murugan on the left side of Mariamman. Inside the temple complex, statues of various gods and goddesses are mounted on the walls, adding to the temple’s overall beauty.
Mariamman is revered as the guardian deity of health and well-being, known for her ability to heal illnesses and protect against malevolent forces. Her worship is widespread in South India, where devotees seek her blessings to safeguard their families’ welfare and cure ailments
Looking back to 2010 and reflecting on the pivotal events that led me to visit Ho Chi Minh City, a journey I’ve repeated almost every year since, with just a single break, I feel compelled to share the unexpected moments and my spiritually enriching visit to the magnificent Mariamman Temple nestled in District 1 of HCMC, Vietnam. I am also thrilled to showcase photographs of this temple along with the Thandayuthapani Temple.
As a chemist managing my own business, my regular routine involved attending the CPHI meetings in Shanghai, China. These meetings allowed me to connect with new manufacturers and strengthen relationships with established chemical manufacturers. Typically, I would fly to Shanghai, attend the meetings, and return promptly to San Francisco. However, in 2010, I decided to break away from this monotony and explore other Asian countries. I booked a ticket to take a detour to Thailand before heading back to San Francisco.
Prior to my trip, I informed a friend in Shanghai about my plan to visit Thailand on my way home. In response, my friend expressed concerns about the ongoing local unrest in Bangkok and strongly advised against proceeding with my Thailand plans. Panicked by this cautionary advice, I decided to cancel my Thailand trip and opt for a direct return to San Francisco.
When I contacted United Airlines to cancel my Thailand itinerary and book a direct flight to San Francisco, I encountered a friendly and helpful customer service representative from United Airlines who presented me with a game-changing choice. Instead of simply canceling my Thai visit, I was given the option to choose from three alternative cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, or Cambodia. Guided by what felt like destiny, I made the spontaneous decision to explore Ho Chi Minh City, despite never having planned to visit Vietnam before. This unexpected journey was prompted by the Bangkok unrest and, surprisingly, led me to discover the beauty of Vietnam.
“As soon as my Vietnam trip was confirmed, I began researching the best places to stay, what to do and what not to do in HCMC, and other safety measures to take while there. Meanwhile, I received a response from my close friend, mentioning that her family had temporarily relocated to HCMC for business purposes. The prospect of meeting her on foreign soil after 6 years was an unexpected and delightful surprise.”
“While searching for a hotel, I came across a Mariamman temple located in district one. Since Mariamman is one of our village deities, I was very excited about the prospect of staying close to this temple and visiting her every day during my stay. This led me to choose the Hoang Hai Long Hotel, as it is just a few minutes’ walk from the temple.”
Visa Requirements for Visiting Vietnam: A valid visa is required for entry into Vietnam. During my initial trip to HCMC in 2010, I visited the Vietnamese consulate in San Francisco to obtain my visa. At that time, I applied for a single-entry visa and opted for an expedited processing service for an additional fee. However, a significant challenge arose in finding suitable parking and dealing with the costly parking fees. In recent times, I have chosen to work with Heidi, my Vietnamese travel agent at Lite Travel, to handle my visa needs. Heidi has proven to be incredibly friendly and helpful. I rely on Lite Travel not only for securing my Vietnam visa but also for passport renewal. While a nominal handling fee is charged for these services, the convenience and assistance provided by Lite Travel make it worthwhile.
In 2010, I took a United Airlines flight to HCMC via Narita, and upon arrival, I had to change to another United flight. I recall the flight landing early in the morning, around 1 AM. After going through customs, I approached a service table where I booked a taxi to my hotel and also purchased a local SIM card before exiting the airport. The journey to the hotel was uneventful, and the check-in process at the hotel was smooth. However, to my surprise, the receptionist held onto my passport and informed me that they would return it during check-out. This was a new experience for me, and I emphasized the importance of returning my passport. It’s interesting to note how procedures have evolved over the years, and now, they typically do not hold passports at hotels anymore.
At this point, it’s crucial to address the status of my business. My one-man company struggled to secure enough projects to generate sufficient profits. With the temple conveniently located within walking distance, I wanted to visit in the mornings and evenings, engaging in prayers with the hope of improving my financial situation
From my hotel, it was just a five-minute walk to the temple, situated on a bustling road. As I approached, I couldn’t miss the impressive, tall, and colorful Rajagopuram gracing the main entrance, adorned with intricate sculptures. The outer wall was embellished with red tiles, enhancing the temple’s visual charm. At the entrance, several vendors offered items such as sesame oil, tender coconut, and garlands for devotees to purchase and present to the Goddess.
As soon as we entered the temple, we were greeted by the main sanctum of Goddess Mariamman, flanked by two smaller sanctums on both sides. To the right of Mariamman was the sanctum of Goddess Petchi Amman, while to the left stood the sanctum of God Maduriveeran
“There is another room or sanctum next to Goddess Mariamman, with Lord Ganesha on the right side and Lord Murugan on the left side of Mariamman. Inside the temple complex, statues of various gods and goddesses are mounted on the walls, adding to the temple’s overall beauty.
Mariamman is revered as the guardian deity of health and well-being, known for her ability to heal illnesses and protect against malevolent forces. Her worship is widespread in South India, where devotees seek her blessings to safeguard their families’ welfare and cure ailments
The first Mariamman temple was established as a small house in 1880 by the Tamil community in what was then Saigon (now HCMC). The current temple was built in 1950s. The temple showcases the rich culture and craftsmanship of South India, making it particularly popular among Hindus from IndiaThis temple serves as a spiritual place for Hindus, as well as the local community, and it attracts visitors seeking blessings, solace, and a connection to the divine.
As soon as you enter the temple, it’s customary for both adults and children to remove their shoes and sandals. Please note that the temple’s opening hours and arathi (worship) timings can vary. I recommend checking with the temple administrator for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the timings.
I visited the temple every morning and evening during my stay in HCMC. As usual, on the morning of my last day in HCMC, I made my way to the temple. There, I encountered an individual who bore a striking resemblance to people from my home state of Tamil Nadu, India. I offered a friendly greeting, and to my delight, he responded in kind. We struck up a conversation, and I learned that he, too, had roots in Tamil Nadu
He shared a fascinating story with me: his father, like so many from our region, had come to Vietnam for business and ended up marrying a Vietnamese woman. During the tumultuous years of the war, his entire family relocated to France, but his mother, deeply rooted in her homeland, chose to stay behind.
He went on to explain that his aged mother was the one who regularly visited the temple to perform the 7:00 PM arati ritual, a beautiful homage to the gods and goddesses. With a warm invitation, he asked me to join in this sacred tradition
I arrived at the temple well before the commencement of the 7:00 PM arati ritual. To my astonishment and admiration, I saw her wearing an Indian traditional saree, adorned in the typical style of aged women, with flowers adorning her hair. Her appearance exuded a charismatic and deeply spiritual aura that compelled me to show her the utmost respect.
The ritual commenced promptly at 7:00 PM, drawing a diverse crowd of both Vietnamese and Indians. The entire process, if memory serves me right, lasted for approximately 15 minutes. Following the ritual, I received the traditional Kumkum and Vibhuti blessings, along with some prasadam as a token of the divine experience.
“After the ritual and receiving the prasadam, I approached the gentleman to bid farewell since I was departing early the next morning. He responded with a friendly goodbye, but what struck me most was the important message he conveyed: ‘Mother says everything is going to be okay.’ At that moment, I had no clue why he was saying this.
“I departed Vietnam with a profound sense of happiness. The trip had given me the chance to reunite with a dear friend after six years and to partake in the spiritually enriching ritual led by the wise individual who shared those encouraging words. At that time, the idea of returning to HCMC had never crossed my mind.
After my return, I settled back into my regular routine, but a pleasant surprise awaited me. A customer I had assisted nearly four years ago approached me with new projects and an unexpected offer. Not only did they want to collaborate on projects, but they also expressed their intention to provide me with an instrument to enhance project productivity. This gesture effectively eliminated one of my longstanding bottlenecks in project completion.
This client’s consistent flow of projects significantly eased my financial situation. What’s more, based on a recommendation from an old colleague, I secured another customer who began regularly assigning projects to me. With an ever-increasing workload, I found myself bustling to meet deadlines.
To sweeten the deal further, through interactions with this second customer’s scientists, I was offered a job opportunity. Given the financial challenges I had previously faced, I accepted this offer and continue to work for them. Although it may seem like a series of coincidences, I prefer to believe that these positive turns of events were bestowed upon me through the blessings of Mariamman and my cherished gods and goddesses.
He shared a fascinating story with me: his father, like so many from our region, had come to Vietnam for business and ended up marrying a Vietnamese woman. During the tumultuous years of the war, his entire family relocated to France, but his mother, deeply rooted in her homeland, chose to stay behind.
He went on to explain that his aged mother was the one who regularly visited the temple to perform the 7:00 PM arati ritual, a beautiful homage to the gods and goddesses. With a warm invitation, he asked me to join in this sacred tradition
I arrived at the temple well before the commencement of the 7:00 PM arati ritual. To my astonishment and admiration, I saw her wearing an Indian traditional saree, adorned in the typical style of aged women, with flowers adorning her hair. Her appearance exuded a charismatic and deeply spiritual aura that compelled me to show her the utmost respect.
The ritual commenced promptly at 7:00 PM, drawing a diverse crowd of both Vietnamese and Indians. The entire process, if memory serves me right, lasted for approximately 15 minutes. Following the ritual, I received the traditional Kumkum and Vibhuti blessings, along with some prasadam as a token of the divine experience.
“After the ritual and receiving the prasadam, I approached the gentleman to bid farewell since I was departing early the next morning. He responded with a friendly goodbye, but what struck me most was the important message he conveyed: ‘Mother says everything is going to be okay.’ At that moment, I had no clue why he was saying this.
“I departed Vietnam with a profound sense of happiness. The trip had given me the chance to reunite with a dear friend after six years and to partake in the spiritually enriching ritual led by the wise individual who shared those encouraging words. At that time, the idea of returning to HCMC had never crossed my mind.
After my return, I settled back into my regular routine, but a pleasant surprise awaited me. A customer I had assisted nearly four years ago approached me with new projects and an unexpected offer. Not only did they want to collaborate on projects, but they also expressed their intention to provide me with an instrument to enhance project productivity. This gesture effectively eliminated one of my longstanding bottlenecks in project completion.
This client’s consistent flow of projects significantly eased my financial situation. What’s more, based on a recommendation from an old colleague, I secured another customer who began regularly assigning projects to me. With an ever-increasing workload, I found myself bustling to meet deadlines.
To sweeten the deal further, through interactions with this second customer’s scientists, I was offered a job opportunity. Given the financial challenges I had previously faced, I accepted this offer and continue to work for them. Although it may seem like a series of coincidences, I prefer to believe that these positive turns of events were bestowed upon me through the blessings of Mariamman and my cherished gods and goddesses.”
Knowing that photography is generally not allowed in temples in India, I assumed the same policy would apply in this temple. Regrettably, I didn’t capture a photograph of the woman who performed the ritual, nor of her son.
I attended her ritual once more, but in recent days, I haven’t spotted her or her son. Someone mentioned that she’s grown older, and her son is now caring for her.
Witnessing the positive changes in my business and my current role with a company, I find myself placing my belief in her. As a tradition, I make it a point to visit her either at the end of November or in early December, seeking her blessings
As I look back on the unexpected turn of events that led me to discover the enchanting Mariamman Temple in Ho Chi Minh City, I can’t help but reflect on the profound influence it has had on my life. What began as a spontaneous detour during a business trip in 2010 has evolved into an annual pilgrimage, interrupted only once, to seek blessings, solace, and a deeper connection to the divine.
My interactions with the wise individuals and the meaningful rituals in the temple have left a lasting impact on my journey. They’ve shown me that life’s most powerful moments often happen when we least anticipate them. With every visit, I keep the blessings of Mariamman and my beloved gods and goddesses in my heart
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