Sri Anjaneyar Alayam, Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan)

This famous temple had started off in the year 1954 as a shrine for a local warrior. The shrine was constructed by members of the Malaysian army. At the same time, Hindu army personnel decided to construct a statue for Lord Anjaneyar at that shrine. At that point of time, the shrine was located by the side of a mountain, and was surrounded by dense jungle. Due to remoteness of the area, there was no supply of water and electricity. Devotees who had come to pray at the shrine would return before sunset, as it was dangerous to travel through the jungle at night.

The distinctive feature in this temple is that the statue of Lord Anjaneyar had turned his direction, facing the Straits of Malacca. Lord Anjaneyar’s statue is believed to be looking in the direction of Sri Lanka. The reason Lord Anjaneyar had turned his head was due to the slaughter that was occurring in the shrine. Meat offerings together with intoxicating liquors were being served to other deities in the shrine, and this offended Lord Anjaneyar. This took place in the year 1996, and was recorded by a foreign photographer. The photographer had earlier taken photos of the shrine, and went again to the shrine to take additional photos. He was stunned at the change of Lord Anjaneyar’s head and immediately informed the local dailies. The practice of slaughtering poultry, serving alcohol, séances at the shrine was stopped, and the presence of Lord Anjaneyar has grown stronger.

The presence of Lord Anjaneyar is very much a vocal point in this powerful temple. Several devotees have seen an apparition of Lord Hanuman meditating in this temple. He was attired in a white veshti, had long hair and a muscular body. Once, a devotee from Port Dickson had come to pray at the temple during Hanuman Jayanthi. He suddenly became ecstatic to witness Lord Anjaneyar flying above the temple. Lord Hanuman was soaring in circles above the temple and was armed with a mace. This indicates that the presence of Lord Hanuman is ever in attendance in this place of worship.
Address: Batu 5, Jln Pantai, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. Tel: 0123515359 (Venkatesan Gurukal), 0123575616 (Temple Chairman)

Sri Renganathar Temple, Kajang (Selangor)

This petite yet elegant temple has a large following of dedicated Lord Vishnu devotees. It was built in 1964 by of JKR (Public Works Department) workers who helped acquire the land and build the structure of the current temple. The temple follows the Panjarathra agamic method of serving Lord Vishnu, and his consort Goddess Mahalaxmi. The temple has a large and powerful Anjeneyar and Garuda at the entrance. They welcome devotees, and protect the vicinity of the temple. The unique reclining position of Lord Vishnu, is an expression of the deity at the Sri Rangam temple, Tamil Nadu. Lord Vishnu is seated on Adishesha, a five headed serpent who is the king of serpents.

The chief priest of this temple, Gurukal Ramanuja regularly expounds quotes from the Ramayana and Mahabharatham to temple devotees. Also he involves devotees in temple ceremonies and prayers, and educates them in the importance of devotion and faith. For instance during the spiritual month of Marghazhi, prayers for Goddess Andal were conducted. A beautiful thulasi garland was carried around the temple, along with hundreds of unmarried lady devotees. These unmarried ladies chanted the Vishnu mantra “OM NAMO NARAYANAYA". This created a wonderful vibration that harmonised the emotions of the attending devotees. During other spiritual occasions such as Krishna Jayanti, the chief priest Ramanuja would tell stories about Lord Krishna and his playful antics towards his devotees. Towards midnight, he would then instruct the devotee to chant Lord Krishna’s Mahamantra. After this was done, a fabulous blue icing cake would be served to Lord Krishna as prasadam.

The devotees at this temple have pride in their temple as most sacred occasions have an active spiritual participation. This is indicated by the family type affair when spiritual occasions are celebrated in this sacred temple. Many devotees feel blessed as they are involved in the ceremony, and not sidelined by religious ceremonies.

Address: Km 7, Jln Kajang Puchong, 43000 Kajang. Tel: 03 87680846/019 3042461

Sri Uchi Vinayagar Aalayam, Kajang (Selangor)

This hilltop temple is the pride and joy of Hindu residents in Kajang town. It is engraved on the temple structure that the temple was initially built in the year 1937. The history of this temple is unique as it was originally a Muneeswaran temple. The main deity was Lord Muneeswaran, and there was also a shrine for Goddess Mariamman, Lord Vinayagar and Lord Murugan. After being taken over by the new temple committee, the management team decided they wanted to establish Lord Vinayagar as the principal deity of this temple. At that time, an auction was being held at a warehouse in Port Klang. The warehouse owner was selling scrap material which included an abandoned container. This mysterious container had an immense statue of Lord Vinayagar which originated from Tamil Nadu, India. The scrap metal businessman who came to purchase scrap metal was anxious when he discovered the statue of Lord Vinayagar. He did not want the statue to fall into the wrong hands and accordingly purchased the enormous statue. Immediately after the business was concluded, the businessman contacted all Hindu temples in the vicinity to inquire if any temple required a statue of Lord Ganesha. When it became known that a temple in Kajang was looking for a statue of Lord Ganesha, the businessman immediately donated the statue to this temple. Now Lord Ganesha reigns supreme on this hilltop spiritual haven.

Opposite the temple is the town’s fireman building. These firemen have witnessed a 20 feet tall apparition of Lord Muneeswaran guarding the temple. Also many devotees have experienced visions of Lord Muneeswaran giving spiritual advice. A devotee who was experiencing financial difficulties had a beautiful dream of Lord Muneeswaran. In the dream, Lord Muneeswaran guided the devotee to partake in the temple puja and offer flowers, fruits, milk and other spiritual offerings to Lord Ganesha and Lord Muneeswaran. After participating in several puja’s, the devotee’s financial woes had reduced. Now he prays regularly at this temple, and has a satisfying life due to his spiritual dedication. As the devotee benefitted from this temple, he contributed a silver kavasam to adorn Lord Vinayagar as a sign of gratitude.

Address: Lot 463, Jalan Changkat Off Jalan Bukit, 43000 Kajang.

Phone: Mr. Gopi (Temple priest)

Sri Siva Veera Bathra Kaliamman Alayam, Kajang (Selangor)

The ferocious personification of Amman resides in this temple, and is famous for her mysterious miracles amongst the temple devotees. This extensive temple was initiated by Mr.Thangavel. In an extraordinary series of events, the commandment to construct this temple was specified. Mr.Thangavel who was praying at the nearby Muneeswaran temple had got into a trance, and ran towards a snake mound. He then pointed towards the snake mound and declared that Goddess Kaliamman resides there and should be worshipped. After that, a small shrine was built for Goddess Kaliamman. Due to Mr.Thangavel’s devotion to Goddess Kalimman, he was able to be an intermerdiary between the Goddess and her devotees. Therefore, he conducted spiritual séances daily and invoked the energy of Goddess Kaliamman. During the séances, Goddess Kaliamman would advice the multitude of devotees on their household difficulties. This would range from financial difficulties, childlessness, family disputes and so forth.

One particular devotee who was afflicted by black magic came regularly for advice and spiritual treatment. The unfortunate devotee had unknowingly joined a spiritual organisation that practised witchcraft. After this became apparent to him, he left this organisation but suffered the wrath of it's members. Due to this, the devotee became accident prone, had vicious nightmares and had suicidal tendencies. He came to the temple in search of solace, and was immediately taken care by Goddess Kaliamman. She instructed him to participate in temple puja’s and also pray to Lord Hanuman for strength. Slowly but surely, this ill-stricken devotee recovered from the malevolent ailment and has become a stronger person. He now prays daily at the temple and is extremely joyous for having a better life.

The unique feature in this temple is the powerful spiritual items contained in the foundation of the Goddess Kaliamman’s inner sanctum. In the foundation is 1008 conch shells, 50 pounds of gold jewellery and Goddess Kaliamman’s yantra. The combination of these powerful items harmonizes the energy of the Goddess Kaliamman, and bestows peace and tranquillity amongst her devotees.
Address: 16 1/2 mile, Sungai Jelok, Kajang . Tel:03 87331359