Sri Santha Durga Devi Army Camp, Sungai Petani (Kedah)

The word ‘santham’ denotes peace and tranquillity, which accurately describes the presence of divinity in this temple. It was in the year 1938, whereby the Sungai Petani army barracks consisted of Nepalese gurkha’s and European troops. One fine day, several gurkha’s witnessed a cobra slithering about in their army compound. As cobras are auspicious in Hinduism, the cobra was not harmed. Instead the cobra was bundled up and transported to the island of Penang. Astonishingly, another cobra appeared in the same spot, the very next day. This spiritual message was quickly deciphered by the gurkha’s through the help of a spiritual medium. They were to build a temple dedicated to goddess Kaliamman. The gurkha’s built a small shrine dedicated to Angkara Kali Amman. Unfortunately, due to ancient customs, the gurkha’s performed animal sacrifices once a year to propitiate Goddess Kaliamman. The slaughtered animal would be buried in a pit, with its flesh poisoned to prevent pilferage. In 1972 the gurkha’s left for Nepal, and thereafter the Malaysian army took over the temple. When the gurkha’s left, they brought along their beloved idol. With the takeover of the temple, the Indians in the Malaysian army decided to restore the empty sanctorum with an idol of Durga Amman and completely disallowed animal sacrifice. There are several mystical experiences in this temple, most notable is the individual who tried to destroy the temple gopuram. After repeated attempts, the transgressor lost his balance and fell to the bottom. Another individual also tried to damage the temple, which caused his child to suddenly fall ill. After several consultations with a local ‘medium', he was advised to ask forgiveness from Goddess Durga Amman. As soon as this was done, the child recovered from the mysterious ailment. A unique characteristic in this temple is that many devotees’ children have their name resemble the various forms of Durga Amman. This is due to the fact that Durga Amman has blessed many childless couples with offspring. Out of gratitude, the children are named accordingly to spread the magnificence of Durga Amman.
Address: Kem Lapangan Terbang, Sungai Petani, Kedah. Tel:

Taman Keladi Maha Mariamman Temple , Sungai Petani (Kedah)

This prominent temple was built in Sungai Petani at least a hundred years ago for the Indian plantation workers of that area. This temple is immense in size and was creatively renovated recently due to the effort of its current chairman, Mr.Jega. Its two acre land boasts of a stunning Kamadhenu structure, an enormous Hanuman statue, and a most captivating Goddess Mariamman in black granite. This original Goddess Mariamman statue has remained in the temple since its inception. There is a sad truth in this temple, but nonetheless it ends with a happy ending. Wealth creates greed, and sometimes greed supersedes even the staunchest of spiritual aspirants.

This wealthy temple with its vast property became the object of struggle of the previous temple committee. Due to the escalating disagreements, the temple was unattended, and became desolate. After several years, no one would even go to this temple that was overgrown in thickly covered plants and grass. Unknown to all, the goddess Mariamman was displeased with the current state of affairs. The goddess decided that it would be the Mr.Jega who would save the temple. She appeared in his dream as an all commanding goddess, in a crimson red sari, and requested the temple chairman to look at the state of affairs of her temple. The temple was being encroached by the surrounding jungle. After receiving the Goddess’s decree, Mr.Jega became restless and could not continue with his daily activities. He knew deep in his heart that he had to do something about the temple, so he visited the temple. At the abandoned temple, he went about clearing the thick vines and bush. Unexpectedly, another visitor came by and started helping Mr.Jega. Then the visitor stated that the temple chairman should take it upon himself to clear this temple and offered RM500 as an initial fund. With this encouragement, the temple chairman valiantly took it upon himself to refurbish this splendid temple, costing nearly RM1.4million. The Taman Keladi Maha Mariamman temple is one of the most prestigious places of worship in Sungai Petani, due to the endeavour of Mr.Jega.
Add: Taman Keladi, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Tel: 0194582705 (Mr.Jega)

Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple, Sungai Petani (Kedah)

This vibrant temple started with modest beginnings, as a shrine in the 1960’s. In his teenage years, Mr.Vello (temple chairman) began his day by praying at the shrine. He devoted himself to Lord Vinayagar, and passed his days by taking care of the shrine. As all mortals undergo a bad phase in their life, and so did Vello. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he was arrested by the police. He was utterly miserable for being separated from his family and his beloved Vinayagar. Although in prison, Vello kept himself busy by learning the Vedas, puja and yoga. After several months, Vello had a sacred dream. Lord Ganesha appeared in his dream, glowing in luminous white. Lord Ganesha advised him to purchase a single piece of land and produce the title in court. The following day, Vello requested his wife to purchase a land, and bring the title for his court proceeding. On the first day of his trial, he was allowed to go on bail using the land title. Vello was overjoyed, and immediately ran to his beloved Vinayagar to get blessings. As he stood before his ishta deivam, tears trickled down his face. Vello was later acquitted from the police investigation due to the grace of Lord Vinayagar.

In 1971, Mr.Vello had his second mystical vision. In his dream, he saw 12 bhutagana’s guarding the shrine and Goddess Laxmi with her palms showering gold coins. When he woke up, Vello immediately started making plans to construct a new temple to replace the shrine. This temple included 16 forms of Lord Ganesha, and was built to accommodate the increasing number of Hindu devotees. After several years, a Chinese businessman approached Vello to donate a huge teakwood elephant carving. Apparently, the businessman could not sleep at night, as he kept hearing the thunderous footsteps of an upset elephant. Now the teakwood elephant has become an attraction at this temple. The other attraction at this temple is Malaysia’s biggest silver chariot that leads an annual procession when celebrating Lord Vinayagar’s birthday, Vinayagar Chathurti. It weights 5 tonnes and was meticulously crafted with teakwood from South India and silver that was exported from China, Japan, Thailand and India.
Adress: Jln Hospital, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Tel: 04-4216892