Maha Mariamman Alayam, Shah Alam (Selangor)

This powerful site of devotion is said to be over 150 years old built by Indian plantation workers of Sungai Renggam estate. Adding to the authenticity of this site is the existing cement statues of the deities, which is still used for worship. The deities emit an energetic vibration, due to the constant worship by its dedicated devotees. The deity’s presence is manifested by the vibrant decoration of its staunch priest. The devotees of the temple speak highly of the goddess Mariamman, who protects her staunch devotees wholeheartedly.

The oldest devotee of the temple started attending prayers at this place of worship from the age of 7 years. At that age, she had chicken pox, and pleaded with goddess Mariamman for a swift recovery. The benevolent goddess Mariamman came in her dreams in a prominent red sari and held a ‘trishulam’, told her she would recover within 3 days. Soon after she recovered, this 72 year old lady has been coming to this temple every Tuesday and Friday until today. Devotees also have stated the goddess Mariamman stands guard at their house, protecting against evil. A thief attempting to break into a devotee’s house was astounded to find a radiant lady in a shining red sari, aiming a ‘trishulam’ high above. The thief ran for his life and managed to get away, but not without punishment. He legs and arms became paralysed, due to his evil intentions. He was advised to beg forgiveness from the merciful goddess Mariamman. With much difficulty, the thief came to the temple and begged for forgiveness and soon recovered from his ailment.

The uniqueness of this temple is the presence of Ganga Amman, who is rarely found in Hindu temples of Malaysia. Goddess Gangga Amman is originating from the holy Ganges River. Interestingly, the sanctum sanctorum for Gangga Amman is always flowing with water, thereby denoting her ‘sakthi’.

Address: Jln 19/25, Section 19, 40000 Shah Alam. Tel: 012-2879970 (Selvakumaran)

Sri Krishna Paramathma, Rawang (Selangor)

The serene surroundings of this quaint temple are apt to serve Lord Krishna. It initially started as a shrine in the 1950’s by Vaishnavaite devotees living in the vicinity. They had noticed ‘tulasi’ (holy basil) growing wildly in the area. In addition, cows were constantly grazing on this plot of land. This indicated that this land was ideal for the worship of Lord Krishna. After which they had built a shrine, placed a small statue of Lord Krishna, and began their adoring worship. As the number of devotees began to swell, the temple committee renovated the humble shrine into a devout temple.

Many devotees make it point every Saturday, to offer Lord Krishna garlands of ‘tulasi’, bouquets of flowers and varieties of fruit. Also, ‘bhajan’ (devotional singing) is held on this day. After the conclusion of the ‘bhajan’, a talk is held to enlighten devotees on the significance of Vaishnavism. The temple holds grand prayers on the auspicious Krishna Janmasthami and Vaikuntha Ekadasi. The temple also has a magnificent statue of Lord Hanuman. Devotees seek his blessing and protection against black magic, sorcery and evil spirits. Another unique aspect of the temple is that the temple is passionate about social activities. It has contributed Tamil education literature to a Tamil school in close proximity. In addition the temple has performed a ‘Kalvi Yatrai’ (prayers for education) for the benefit of the students.

Many devotees have witnessed the ‘lila’ (teasing activities) of Lord Krishna. These ardent devotees have witnessed baby Krishna playing with a flute, surrounded by cows and exuding fragrant sandalwood scent. Those fortunate to have had the ‘darshan’ (vision) of Lord Krishna by coincidence have an increase of wealth as well. Other devotees have witnessed a vision of a baby Lord Hanuman, beckoning them to come and play with them. The spiritual strength of this temple is definitely appealing to the hearts and the minds of its devotees.

Address: Jalan Kuala Garing, Rawang. Tel: 03-60933508

Dewi Sri Karumariamman Temple, Rawang (Selangor)

The temple was initiated 150 years ago by estate workers. Carbon testing on a neem tree located in the temple grounds is proof of its age. Due to the temple’s isolation, not many devotees had come to the temple. A devoted group of young Hindus took it upon themselves to gather money and perform spiritual ceremonies for the deity once a week on Friday. As time went by, the temple started getting famous due to the formation of snake mounds around the temple. Devotees are able to see these holy ‘Nagas’ (snakes) during auspicious days, like ‘Adi Puram’, 'Naga Panchami’, and ‘Navaratri’.

The most pristine statue of Karumariamman lies sanctified in this charming estate temple. During the consecration ceremony of the temple, the famous Muthu Kumara Swamigal had a vision that the deity was having 5 snakes on top of her head. After which the temple committee decided to get a statue of Karumariamman. The temple committee had tirelessly searched for a granite Karumariamman statue in Malaysia, and managed to locate this beautiful sculpture in an artisan’s workshop in Penang. After negotiating, the committee secured the payment and immediately brought back the statue.

The snake mound is one of the main attractions in this auspicious temple. During the month of ‘Adi’, many Hindu devotees who are childless come to this temple. Some perform ‘madi pichai’ (perform begging due to a sacred vow), and then donate the money to the temple. Staunch devotees walk barefoot from nearby villages and offer milk to the holy ‘Nagas’ (snakes). The day after ‘Adi Puram’, on ‘Naga Panchami’ the priest of this auspicious temple, Sri Sivasri Krishna Gurukkal collects the sand around the snake mound. The sand is then given as ‘prasadam’ (sacred offering) to all the devotees who have successfully completed their vows at the temple. The ‘prasadam’ is to be consumed by the childless couple, and this serves as a catalyst for childbirth. But as there is huge demand for the ‘prasadam’, all childless couples have to inform the priest prior to performing their vows.

Address: Lot 981, Jln Kuala Garing, 48000 Rawang. Tel: 012-3301553 (Sivasri Krishna Gurukkal)

Sri Ambal Temple, Kuala Lukut (Negeri Sembilan)

The Sri Ambal temple in Kuala Lukut was started in the early 1890’s by establishing a shrine at an ‘Arasamaram’ (neem tree). It was frequented by Indian plantation workers that were residing in nearby plantations. As these workers faced numerous problems such as diseases, financial constraints and social isolation, they prayed to Goddess Ambal for spiritual relieve. After the First World War, the rubber prices had risen. Therefore many devotees contributed their share of wealth to establish a temple in honour of Goddess Ambal. A well-known priest was asked to perform the consecration ceremony of the temple. The priest advised the temple committee to place a statue of an 18 hand Durga Amman, after receiving a spiritual instruction upon entering the temple premise.

Many unique spiritual experiences have occurred at this temple. Some time ago a taxi driver had picked up an unusual passenger at 4.30 am. The passenger was dressed in a dazzling white sari and decked with gold jewellery. The taxi driver asked the passenger whether it was safe to travel with so much jewellery, but the passenger laughed and stated that she was fearless. The passenger asked to be dropped in front of the temple, and immediately vanished. Soon after this incident, the taxi driver's business started to prosper and he has acquired a large amount of wealth. There are many other devotees that have received the grace of the residing deity. A devotee who was retarded always prayed to the Goddess Ambal, and participated in Durga ‘puja’. Due to her devotion, her ailment was alleviated and is now happily married. Also, the beauty of this devotee has increased manifold, conceivably by the ‘shakti’ (spiritual energy) of the Goddess Ambal.

An auspicious ceremony is held in this temple during the month of ‘Adi’, whereby a 10 day 'tiruvila' (celebration) is held. The spiritual energy of Goddess Ambal is at her peak, and all her devotees can feel the electrifying energy surrounding the temple. At night, the temple priests hear ‘salangai oli’ (ankle bells sound) around the temple, signifying the presence of Goddess Ambal.
Address: Km 5, Jln Seremban, 71010 Lukut, Port Dickson. Tel: 06-6515400

Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple, Seremban (Negeri Sembilan)

It is customary for the ‘Chettiar’ community to build temples wherever they reside. Therefore, in the year 1899, this spiritual haven was established by the enterprising Nacchappan Chetiar. This businessman was living at a nearby ‘Chettiar ketinggi’ (residence of Chettiar traders), and always used to walk past a vacant land on his way home after work in the evening. On a particular evening, he saw an apparition of a young boy playing with a ‘mayil’ (peacock) on the vacant land. The young boy silently waved at Nachappan Chettiar, requesting him to come hither. Nachappan Chettiar was astounded by this vision, and immediately decided to build a temple at this premise. He purchased the vacant land, installed a ‘Vel’ (diving javelin) and initiated spiritual prayers for Lord Thandayuthapani.

Many of the former priests have experienced the playful antics of the presiding deity. As Lord Thandayuthapani is youthful, he always teases his ardent devotees. Veeramani Gurukkal who was attached to a different temple at that time, dreamt of beautiful, slender ‘Vel’. After his dream, he became restless and could not sleep at night. After several weeks, he came to the Bala Thandayuthapani temple to replace his uncle, who had left back to Sri Lanka. He realised the divine instruction from the infant deity, and faithfully served Lord Thandayuthapani. While in attendance, the devoted priest always had visions of a lustrous child running around the temple, playing with peacocks. This indicates the presence of divinity at this temple, both mystical and beyond comprehension.

The temple boasts of having the largest ‘Thanga Ratham’ (golden chariot) for Lord Thandayuthapani in Malaysia. The splendour and intricacy of the golden chariot is immaculate. The frame is made from teak, and covered with a copper plate covering. The covering has been coated with gold, utilising up to 2.5kg of gold. As gold has the highest spiritual vibration, it is a metal that attracts spiritual blessings from the realms above.
Address: 139A, Jalan Yam Tuan, 70000 Seremban. Tel: 06-7638011/7628012

Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple, Seremban (Negeri Sembilan)

In 1922 a famous Indian businessman, Nachappan Chettiar started construction of an archetype Chettiar temple. He built the temple on a 3 acre piece of land, located on Jalan Temiang. As the rest of the land was idle, it was used for agriculture. The proceeds of selling bananas, coconuts and vegetables were used to sustain the maintenance of the temple. This strategy is advocated in other Chettiar temples, consequently most of these temples are monetarily self sufficient. As the building was nearing completion, the ‘karangkal’ (granite) statue for Lord Vinayagar was ordered from South East India. Unfortunately due to the outbreak of the Japanese invasion of South East Asia, all modes of transportation between India and Malaysia were stopped. This did not deter Nachappan Chettiar, as he decided to obtain a statue of Lord Vinayagar from the nearby Chettiar ‘ketinggi’ (residence of Chettiar traders). Once the statue was obtained, prayers were conducted and the birth of a new temple took place.

Many devotees are under the watchful eye of the compassionate Lord Vinayagar. A courtesan, whose residence is in close proximity to this temple, was in dire need of help. Her children were having exceedingly high fever. Despite having her children treated with conventional medicine, they were not cured. After several days, the unfortunate lady had a dream of Lord Vinayagar comforting her and advising her to perform a puja at the temple. She immediately performed a puja at the Lord Vinayagar temple and applied ‘vibhuti’ (holy ash) on her children’s forehead. Her children recovered immediately, and she has now become a devotee of this omniscient temple. Another person of a different creed who was also staying in the vicinity of the temple was afflicted by black magic. The ill-fated person went to consult a ‘shaman’, and was requested to obtain ‘tirtham’ (holy scented water) from the Lord Vinayagar temple. The devotee sprinkled his home with the ‘tirtham’, and his home was rid of all evil. He has regularly come back to pray at this temple, and is grateful for the divine assistance. This illustrates that Lord Vinayagar is compassionate towards all living creatures of all walks of life.
Address: Tel:

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, Brickfields (Kuala Lumpur)

Sri Saktivel Peruman is the ‘Vel’ (divine javelin) and the astral embodiment of Lord Muruga, which resides at his spiritual palace, Sri Kandaswamy Temple. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami had stated that this potent ‘Vel’ is the eyes and ears of Lord Muruga from the heavens above. The ‘Vel’ oversees the current affairs of the temple’s devotees and aids when necessary. This spiritual legacy was initiated in the year 1902, when the Ceylonese Tamil community of Brickfields decided to establish their orthodox style of worship in Malaysia. A community elder received a vision of a temple located at the end of Scott Road. Soon after, a ‘Vel’ was installed by an eminent Saivite of the Ceylonese Tamil community at the chosen site, and subsequently a temple was built. Prior to the installment, the holy 'Vel' was blessed at Lord Muruga's 'Arupadai Veedu' (6 fortress of Lord Muruga). The gathering of devotees ensures the ceaseless prayers at this sanctified holy place.

The devotees at this temple were so staunch in their belief towards Lord Muruga, that the daily temple rituals were observed during the advent of the Japanese invasion of Malaya (1942-1945). It was during this tumultuous era that the Chief Priest Somaskanda Kurukkal conducted the annual ‘Kanda Shasti’ festival. Miraculously, he lifted and carried the 500kg ‘Arumukham’ statue on his back during the pinnacle of ‘Soora Samharam’ (slaying of demon). Till today, many miracles take place at this auspicious temple, if Lord Kandaswamy is approached with devotion and sincerity. The current Chief Priest of the temple has been childless for many years. Many doctors had advised that it was impossible for him to have children. He ardently prayed to Lord Muruga for a miracle, and he was immediately blessed with a son.

This immensely beautiful temple has been turned into an architectural delight. The lotus pond elegantly infuses spiritual vibrancy into the atmosphere, together with peacocks dancing around the courtyard of the temple. The golden ‘kalasam’ (dome) and the awe inspiring ‘gopuram’ is indeed fit to be Lord Muruga’s sacred castle.
Address: 3, Lorong Scott, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-22742987

Sri Nageswary Amman Temple, Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur)

This mesmerising spiritual haven is the stronghold of Goddess Nageswary Amman. In 1945, a snake mound was identified by a ‘Pambatti Siddhar’ (snake siddha) as the abode of Goddess Nageswary Amman. Many devotees started flocking to this spiritual stronghold, and praying to Goddess Nageswary. This site was destined for the construction of a railway track and therefore had to be relocated. As the shrine relocated, the Goddess Nageswary became upset over this intrusion. Suddenly, the construction project stalled as the tractors repeatedly malfunctioned. Also many of the workers of the construction experienced nightmarish dreams, inexplicable illnesses and freak accidents. Those affected conducted prayers to appease Goddess Nageswary. Leading to the end of the ceremony, a women devotee by the name of Kaliamma went into a trance. The message conveyed was that that Goddess Nageswary Amman would remain at her current shrine, but also attend the evening prayers of the new temple.

The new temple has a large snake mound ideally located in the middle of the temple. In the mound is a pair of beautiful cobras. The snakes are mostly nocturnal and hardly come out when there are gatherings of devotees. Also there is a white cobra that stands guard at this temple. There was an incident whereby a group of men attempted robbing this temple. As they entered the temple, the white cobra stood guard in front of the inner sanctum and hissed angrily. The trespassers fled for their lives, and subsequently could not bodily function appropriately. The wife’s of these afflicted men went to the temple and begged for the forgiveness of Goddess Nageswary Amman. The men immediately recovered, and now faithfully pray at this powerful temple.

This temple is renowned for the ‘puja’ to overcome ‘naga dosham’ (snake curse). Also those undergoing ‘Rahu’ or ‘Kethu’ in their astrological chart participate in this ‘puja’. Devotees come for either the Tuesday or Friday evening 'puja' continuously for 27 weeks. The main ceremony at this temple falls in the month of ‘Adi’, whereby a fire-walking congregation takes place on ‘Adi Puram’. Devotees have to fast for 48 days prior to participating in this spiritually charged festival.
Address:Jln Lengkok Abdullah, Off Jln Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel:03-22820635

Sri Ganesar Court Hill Temple, Pudu (Kuala Lumpur)

This holy site is considered one of the foremost Hindu temples in Malaysia. In 1897, an Indian gardener started a shrine for Lord Ganesha in an orchard of a British official's residence. Wagner Durai, as he was popularly known initially served in Malaya as a senior police official, and later as a lawyer. As the shrine started becoming more popular with its surrounding inhabitants, the Indian gardener decided to install a bell to announce auspicious timings. The sound emitting from the bell annoyed Wagner. He boldly informed his worker to remove the bells, or he would have to demolish the shrine. As soon as he had uttered this sentence, he had become paralysed. Soon after, the gardener had a dream in which Lord Ganesha instructed him to conduct a prayer for Wagner Durai and smear vibuthi (holy ash) onto Wagner's legs and hands. The gardener did as he was instructed, and Wagner soon recovered. Wagner subsequently started praying at this benevolent shrine and contributed towards the construction of the temple.

The temple is built on a sloping ‘moona muchandi’ (3 adjoining corners) thereby making it extremely powerful. Moreover this is the only temple in the world that conducts ‘sankha puja’ (conch shell puja) twice daily throughout the year. This propitious puja was initiated in the year 1939 at this temple. The twisting formation of a ‘sankhu’ enables tirtham (holy scented water) to flow spirally before bathing Lord Ganesha. As the ‘tirtham’ is infused with the chanting of Hindu mantras, together with the hydraulic push through the ‘sankhu’, this facilitates the potency of this ceremony. The conch-shell is said to be the abode of ‘devas’ (celestial beings). Therefore ‘sankha puja’ is considered most auspicious in Hindu rituals, and will promote the health, wealth and happiness of its participants. The glory of this temple is further enhanced by the gold 'garba graham' (entrance)at the main sanctum. Gold has the highest spiritual vibration according to Hindu scriptures, therefore this metal is used to channel 'shakti' (divine energy).

The temple had acquired its name, Court Hill Ganesar as the previous high court was adjacent to the temple. Most lawyers who had represented clients at this court would pray at this temple for a favourable outcome. If the verdict was favourable, the lawyers would contribute towards the upkeep of the temple in gratitude. Also there is a 'vilvam' (bael) tree in the temple itself. The tree has been in the temple since inception and is also a focal point in the temple. Devotees who circumbulate the temple will stroke the bark of the tree, and then proceed to prostrate before Lord Ganesha.

Adress: 9, Jln Pudu Lama, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-20789825