Arulmigu Sri Ramalingeswarar Siva Alayam - Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur)

 

RAMALINGESWARAR

The cool radiant rays of Ramalingeswarar's 'shakti' (divine energy) penetrates deeply into the muddy depth of our mundane soul and resonates gently an uplifting vitality that invokes devotion and divinity. The worn out soul that has been fatigued by innumerable karmic experiences is once again rejuvenated and is able to undergo the trials and tribulations of this polarizing world with smiling serenity. The illustrious island temple of Rameswaram which Lord Rama had built to absolve his transgressions, is renowned for its healing water wells and is one amongst the twelve celestial Jyotirlingam temples (self manifested lingam). Hence its name is aptly used for this radiant Shivalingam which is located in bustling Bangsar. This heavenly Ramalingeswarar temple as per its namesake has become a spiritual magnet for souls seeking salvation. This spiritual environment provides a therapeutic salve as a remedy for those who are emotionally wounded and mentally traumatized by the grim realities of life. 

PONNUSAMI GURUKKAL

A shrine was established along Jalan Maarof at Bangsar, initially in 1896 by KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) workers from India. The purpose of establishing this shrine was for the Indian workers to obtain sacred blessings before starting their daily arduous work which was gruelling and perilous. This hazardous work involved clearing large swathes of forest and laying the groundwork for railway tracks. In the evening after performing their back breaking labour, workers who had a spiritual yearning would recite ancient Tamil hymns at the shrine. Other would sing devotional songs and some would chant the 'Panchakshara' (5 syllable mantra for Lord Shiva). This alleviated their pain and suffering to an extent, allowing them to concentrate on their task the very next day and reduce unfortunate mishaps as they toil under miserable conditions. There was a pious priest by the name of Ponnusami Gurukkal who devoutly cared for this shrine. He was well known to have prepared mouth watering 'naivedyam' (sacred food offering). His heart and soul was staunchly committed to serving Ramalingeswarar. Unfortunately as the shrine did not have any financial patrons, it was sinking under a mountain of debt. To save his beloved Ramalingeswarar from preying debtors, Ponnusami Gurukkal used his personal savings that was meant for his retirement to settle the outstanding debt. This virtuous deed is a testimony of Ponnusami's golden magnanimity. 

 

SWAMI HARIDOSS GIRI

In 1974, this shrine was moved from its humble abode to its current prime location. An illustrious disciple of Swami Gnananda Giri was requested by the temple committee to guide the construction of this new temple according to 'Saiva agama' (Saivite holy text pertaining religion and philosophy). His disciple is none other than Swami Haridoss Giri, a spiritual master that is world renowned for his involvement in popularising 'nama sankeerthanam' (congregational singing of a deity). He spread the spiritual fragrance of 'nama sankeerthanam' all over the world, thus dismantling the depraved decay of atheism. He also popularised the V symbol with 2 fingers to represent Radha and Krishna. The swami blessed the establishment of the Ramalingeswarar temple and closely supervised its progress. As the the construction progressed along, the swami occasionally came and inspected the site. Any subtle recommendations made by the swami was immediately implemented by the site workers, which is a testament to the temple's everlasting divinity. On September 4th 1994, a day vibrant with raw spiritual energy, Swami Haridoss Giri attained 'jal samadhi' (divine union with divinity through the water element) at Koteswar, Rudraprayag.

SWAMI HARIDOSS GIRI

A distinctive aspect of this temple is the individual shrine for 'Suriyan' (Sun) at the right section of the main entrance, as well as another separate shrine for 'Chandran' (Moon) at the left section of the main entrance. This architectural design is derived from the principles that is deeply embedded within the 'Saiva Agama' philosophy that denotes that the right eyes of Lord Shiva is represented by 'Surya' whereas the left eye is represented by 'Chandran'. By propitiating 'Surya' on Sunday during 'Surya hora' (planetary hour denoting Sun) issues with regard to paternal conflict, disputes with the government and low self esteem can be resolved. By appeasing 'Chandran' on Monday during 'Chandran hora' (planetary hour denoting Moon), maternal disharmony can be be amicably solved, spouse disagreements soothed, and most importantly mental health challenges can be easily reconciled and lead to a pathway of recovery. Leading into the entrance of the temple is an endearing 'Arasamaram Pillayar' (Peepal Tree Ganesha). Many devotees who are childless often circumambulate the tree and are often blessed with offspring as a result of their genuine dedication. There is an impressive 'Naga Amman' (serpent goddess) shrine behind the 'Arasamaram Pillayar'. Hence when circumambulation of the peepal tree is performed, 'Naga Dosham' (curses attributed to serpents) are pacified.

BHAIRAVAR

 

As the ethereal hound of Bhairava scouts for demonic elements loitering at the periphery, the ghastly Bhairava silently trails along with a fearsome 'trisulam' (divine trident). His dominant matted dreadlocks, cosmic rhythmic 'damaru' (drum associated with Shiva) and heavy-clad bell anklets poses a dominant silhouette in the eery, chill of midnight. His ardent worshippers gather every 'Theipirai Ashtami' (8th day after full moon), and pay tribute to their cosmic guardian. Many light up pepper lamps with gingelly oil, or white pumpkin lamps with neem oil, both a potent remedy for misfortune and calamity. A devoted couple that regularly attended the 'Theipirai Ashtami' had a captivating experience. Their pet, a charming Shiba Inu dog became an affectionate companion of the couple. Although the dog was well taken care, it developed a harmful mouth infection that was life threatening. The dog was taken to a specialised veterinarian hospital to perform a precarious surgery. Before the operation was performed, the pious couple rushed to the Ramalingesarar temple and fell at Bhairava's feet to save their cherished dog. Bhairava perceived their 'venduthal' (beseeching a request) and immediately granted their wish. The surgery was successfully completed and the couple were elated. After a couple of days, they returned to the temple and performed an 'abisekham' (ceremonial bathing of a deity) with milk, curd, sandalwood paste, sacred ash, fruits and honey. A significant blessing, a canine saved, and a devout couple are jubilant in the end. 

MAHASHIVARATRI

 

A wrinkled faced old lady and her family arrived at the Ramalingeswarar temple. As she had never been to the temple before, she asked the temple priest for the 'puja' (worship) timing. Her face suddenly brimmed with enthusiasm as she gazed at every corner of the temple. Although her journey from Ipoh was exhausting, her creased face brimmed with joy. As the temple priest was performing an 'archanai' (simple prayer to bless devotee) for her and her family, he inquired about her as she was an unfamiliar face at the temple. She mentioned she had travelled all the way from Ipoh, especially to perform prayers at this temple. She had been yearning to visit the Rameswaram temple located in Tamil Nadu, but was unable to do so. Everyday during her routine prayers, she would vigilantly request a wish to be able to visit the Rameswaram temple in Tamil Nadu. After several months, she had a dream of a bearded old man informing her to visit the Bangsar Ramalingeswarar temple instead and perform prayers there. He stated she and her family would receive bountiful of blessings. She was ecstatic with the blessings of this divine message and immediately made plans to visit this temple. The bearded old man's message brought abundant joy to a faithful old lady. 

 

KODIMARAM

A staunch devotee of the temple faced numerous difficulties, and was constrained with health issues as a consequence. Although he strived as a 'thondar' (volunteer) for the temple, his unwavering support was unrewarded and instead encountered hurls of insult and spiteful brickbats. Many maliciously gossiped behind his back, whispering scandalous rumours that tainted his reputation. The blemish on his honour had woefully affected his health, causing hypertension and other chronic conditions as a result of the increased anxiety. He pondered on discontinuing his service to the temple, and went to the temple's 'kodimaram' (flagstaff) and wept in sorrow. His heartfelt choked anguish rippled solemnly everywhere, tacitly disrupting the serenity. Abruptly an old bearded man in faded 'kavi' (saffron) clothing appeared behind the devotee, and gently placed his palm on the devotee's back. The old man mumbled soothingly in Tamil 'எல்லாம் சரியாகிவிடும்' (everything will be OK). Astonishingly, the devotee suddenly felt his soul reinvigorated, his duty and purpose reinstated. As soon as the devotee turned to his rear, the old man disappeared. The devotee searched everywhere, but old man was nowhere to be found. He returned to the 'kodimaram' and silently thanked for the spiritual blessings that revitalised his soul. 

NATARAJA

During the holy festival of Navaratri, daily singing of the various Tamil hymns spiritually enlivened the temple's ambience. In the rapture of singing 'Pancha Puranam' (Tamil hymns from 5 sacred books), a devotee made a minor error but managed to continue singing harmoniously albeit struggling with the lyrics. As the Navaratri 'puja' culminated with an elegant 'arathi' (deity is worshipped by waving a flame) ceremony, the devotee started doubting her singing capability and was disheartened by her singing flaw. Her mind opined to never sing again during Navaratri, as she felt that she had committed a grievous mistake. As she dozed off that night, she had a very vivid dream. She was in a resplendent pillared temple, with many spiritual attendants gathered in an assembly. She heard a celestial feminine voice informing that she has to sing for Navaratri every year with fail, it was her sacred duty. She felt a sense of calmness overwhelming her awareness, and soon woke up feeling revitalised. Thereafter each year prior to Navaratri, she practiced singing diligently and sang magnificently verses from 'Pancha Puranam' at the festival.  

                     PARVATHA VARTHINI

The exquisite Lord Shiva who adorns the crescent moon as a head ornament signifies those who worship him are conferred with a calm and untroubled mind. A steadfast worshipper of the temple who regularly attends the 'Somavaram puja' (Monday puja for Shiva) at the temple, would bring flowers, bael leave, 'vibhuti' (sacred ash) for the 'puja' as a token of devotion to Ramalingeswarar. He would silently immerse himself in tranquil meditation before the 'puja', then inwardly appreciate the subtle aspects of 'Somavaram puja' as the ritual began. As he was in deep retrospect, he silently requested a blessing for his son who was studying medicine abroad to perform well in the final examination. As soon as he had that mental impression, his deliberation had gestured a reaction in the inner sanctum of the temple. A flower sitting on top of Ramalingeswarar fell to the bottom, signifying his wish would be fulfilled. But the devotee remained unconvinced, thinking his imagination was going wild. However another flower fell again to the floor, convincing the devotee wholeheartedly. As anticipated, the son performed brilliantly during the final examination with flying colours. Faithful devotion will ultimately manifest divine blessings. 

RAMALINGESWARAR

The fortnight 'Pradosham puja' (removal of sins ritual) is observed earnestly in the temple, energizing the entire temple's vicinity with a spiritual fervour. Devotees who participate bring 'abisekham' items for this powerful oblation ceremony are immensely blessed. There are also glimmering bronze statues of the 63 'Nayanmar's' (63 Saivite saints), a breath-taking sight to behold. During the temple's annual festival, the 63 'Nayanmar' saints proceed majestically in a chariot procession around Bangsar. The chariot procession is accompanied by musicians and the rendering of 'Thirumurai' (12 volumes of Tamil hymns), a divine blessing for the entire neighbourhood. Fire ceremonies conducted in this temple are of immense benefit to society. 'Ayush Homam' is conducted for blessings for a healthy life, 'Rudra Homam' is performed to remove negativity and attract sacred vibrations, whereas 'Mritunjaya Homam' is carried out to achieve divine liberation. A sacred well behind the 'Navagraha' (9 celestial bodies) supplies holy water for the daily usage of Ramalingeswarar, sharing some semblance to the ancient Ramanathaswamy temple in Tamil Nadu which has 22 sacred wells. Every aspect of this temple has been meticulously planned and utilized for the benefit of society. It was built by the sweat and tears of former Indian KTM workers, rescued by the effort of a golden hearted man and eternally blessed by the benediction of a heavenly saint.

PRADOSHAM PUJA

Contact: 03 22844652

Address: 16, Jln Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur