The scale of each tier and its sculptures diminishes with each progressive structure, creating the illusion of height to this impressive building, and painted in bright and energetic patterns, making the entire complex a visual delight. The iconic gopuram, one of the chief attractions of Sri Mariamman Temple, is a six-tiered structure, with each tier richly embellished in sculptures of gods, goddesses, important facets of history, and ornamental carvings. The temple gopuram is adorned with intricate sculptures of various Hindu deities ( Source) The main prayer area is made up of intricately carved columns, covered with ceilings decked with beautiful frescoes. The fine sculptures that adorn the area of the temple, especially those along the gopuram, are also made of plaster. Initially, a structure made of wood and attap, the current structure is made up of plaster and bricks. The area of the temple comprises of covered halls, shrines to various deities, service areas, and a beautiful open courtyard. The magnificent Mariamman Temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture prevalent across historic temples of South India. The Thimithi, or fire walking ceremony, held a week before the festival of Diwali in October-November is one of the grandest occasions celebrated at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Since its inception in 1862, the grand temple served as a Registry of Marriages for Hindu at a time when the temple was the only authority that could recognise Hindu marriages, and refuge for new immigrants to Singapore during colonial times. Sri Mahamariamman Temple of Singapore has been accorded the status of a National Monument by the Singaporean authorities. The boundary walls of the temple are graced by sacred cow sculptures while the six-tiers of the gopuram has intricate plasterwork images of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). The ornate and elaborate detailing of the gopuram (tower) above the entrance is a sight to behold, making it popular among the architecture lovers, apart from the tourists and Hindu immigrants in Singapore. Dating back to 1827, the exquisite temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, a Hindu deity known for curing illness, disease and epidemics. The oldest temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman Temple is located paradoxically in the centre of Chinatown.