In 1827, the land on which the shrine stands was granted to a man named Kaderpillai on condition that it was not to be used for a building of wood and attap.

The building resembles a multi-tiered wedding cake, its sharp arches decorated with intricate moldings.

The architectural features of the building blend classical motifs like moulded arches and columns with Indian Muslim elements such as perforated grilles at the roof.

Restoration works to turn the shrine into an Indian Muslim heritage centre started in January 2007 and was completed in the fourth quarter of the same year at a cost of S$1.8 million.

President S. R. Nathan attended a fund-raising event organised by Indian Muslims on 3 December 2006; at that time, the community had raised $200,000.