Sri Anantha Vel Murugan Alayam, Jinjang (Kuala Lumpur)

As the Indian saying goes “Do not live in a place without a Hindu temple”, the basis for this temple was cemented. It was started in the 1950’s to accommodate the growing number of Hindu devotees in Jinjang. The temple started in a small wooden hut, but has transformed into a well-designed brick and mortar structure due to the efforts of Lord Muruga’s devotees. The present statues of the temple were sculptured in Madurai and special poojas were conducted to open the eyes of the deities. Prior to the order of the statues, the temple committee consulted a famous South Indian astrologer. The astrologer stated that the current location of the temple was previously a hill. This hill is believed to be the location where Lord Muruga had come to rest with his consorts, Valliamma and Deivanaiamma. Apparently Lord Muruga first came to Batu Caves, and then proceeded to the current location of this temple. As this was after the defeat of demon Surapadman at Thiruchendur, Lord Muruga resided here with his consorts in “Anantham” (peace).

Initially the temple committee wanted to have a statue of a 6 faced Lord Muruga. This was disapproved by the astrologer, stating it would harness the aggressive energy of Lord Muruga, which did not agree with the location. To test the accuracy of the astrologer, the temple priest decided to place a picture of a 6 faced Lord Muruga at the inner sanctum. After several days, the temple priest faced numerous obstacles in performing his daily poojas at the temple. The temple priest immediately removed the picture and peace was restored.

As the temple is in a neighbourhood, there are plenty of stray pets. Being animals, these pets search for accessible meals and sometimes rummage around the temple. As the milk offering to Nagamman was frequently defiled by these animals, this exasperated the temple priest. He loudly announced that he would no longer offer any milk to Goddess Nagamman as she was not there to receive the offering. After several days, the temple priest came across shed snake skin. It was extremely long, and puzzled the priest as there were no signs of snakes in that neighbourhood. He realised it was a sign by Goddess Nagamman to assure him of her presence, hence he continued with his offering of milk to Goddess Nagamman. Many devotees have stated that the presiding deity of this temple, Lord Muruga with his consorts radiate a beautiful persona. It is no wonder that devotees seeking his divine assistance get their prayers fulfilled as Lord Muruga is perpetually happy in this peaceful temple.

Address: 6 1/2 mile, Jln Kepong, Jinjang Utara, 52000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 0193984309 (Temple Priest)

Raja Rajeswary Temple, Ampang (Kuala Lumpur)

This temple which resembles a palace is the spiritual abode of Goddess Raja Rajeswary. Raja Rajeswari is the presiding deity of Sri Yantra. Sri Yantra is a configuration of nine interlocking triangles. The five downward pointing triangles represent Shakti, and four upright triangles represent Shiva. Goddess Raja Rajeswari has four hands, three eyes and wields a noose, goad, sugar cane bow and five flowered arrows. The temple was established in 1974, and is the pride and the joy of its departed founder, Mr. K Suppiah. He had taken a considerable amount of his time, effort and creativity to develop this previous empty piece of land into a spiritual architectural delight. The temple is abundant with neem, bael, champa, and jamun trees. Also found are tulasi (holy basil), jasmine shrubs and sugar cane. The entrance of the temple is adorned with a water fountain, whilst the rear end of the temple has a spectacular water cascade. The temple has become a spiritual oasis for Hindu devotees of Klang Valley.

Due to his devotion to Goddess Raja Rajeswary, Mr. K Suppiah has been blessed with several visions of this Goddess. During the Mahakumbhabishegam, the committee members of the temple along with several priests went to the bank of Ampang river to collect soil. This religious ceremony is known as “Punitha Man Eduthal” translated as collecting of sacred soil. As they were departing back to the temple, Mr. K Suppiah noticed that Goddess Raja Rajeswary followed them after partaking in this religious ceremony. He was astounded by this beautiful vision of the sacred Goddess.

As the years passed, Mr. K Suppiah’s health deteriorated. A few months before his loss, he had another vision of Goddess Raja Rajeswary. He dreamt of the Goddess walking from the temple inner sanctum towards the entrance of the temple. At the entrance of the temple, the Goddess laughed joyously. She then proclaimed that she was contented with her palatial residence and thanked Mr. K Suppiah for his endeavour. Although Mr. K Suppiah has passed away, he has left an immense spiritual legacy that benefits the entire Hindu community of Malaysia.

Address: 4 1/2 mile, Jln Ulu Kelang, Ampang. Tel: 0342564059