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.
29 comments:
Dear Kumaresh,
A well written article and enjoyed reading it line by line. Aprreciate your efforts. Just a small correction if I may. The tree in the temple is not a neem tree (vepalai) but a 'vilva' tree which is used for Shiva Puja. I had plucked leaves from that tree before. Kind Regards.
I've corrected the statement about the tree. But please tell me if the temple conducts 'Shiva Puja', and also a little about the history of the tree. I'm very fascinated about this tree, as many iconic Hindu temples in Malaysia started with trees.
I am not sure about the Shiva Pooja. As for the tree, according to some senior members of the family, it is belived that the Idol was first placed below the tree before it is in its present location. I am sorry that I do not know more than that. I agree with you that most iconic temples started under a tree, most likely to the fact that a tree produces an immediate shade to the deity placed there.
Namaskaram, I read about the temple and also had the oppotunity to visit this temple with the blessings of Lord Ganapati. I am from the Fiji Islands and we followers of Lord Ganapati here. I was fortunate to offer the prayers and a moment to take a look inside the temple. Thank you
Vanakkam,
I'm glad you had the opportunity to visit this amazing temple. Are there Ganesha temples in Fiji?
It is a wonderful piece of article.I have been a regular attendee of the temple every friday morning prior to my departure overseas for greener pastures.The journey of my life changed for the better with his blessings."Om Gam Ganapathiyai Namaha".S.Shashikaran
Namaskaram Kumaresh, many thanks for the reply. Yes we do have Ganapati Temples in Fiji Islands. We just had our Ganapati Chatuthi Visarjan and Theemati. You can see us on Facebook "Sri Navashakti Maha Vallabha Ganapati Temple".
We welcome your comments and look forward to your reply.
A well informed article about lord ganesha, but as I was reading there was no prayer times where it states when the puja is performed, as it is very vital for people like us who is from overseas. My family always visit both temples this one and sri maha mariamman temple, even though there is a contact number I would still think the puja times need to be put so that the outsiders have an idea, keep up the good work.
GOD BLESS
Susan Naidu
New Zealand
bolo Ganesh maharaj ki JAI !!!
this is a silent temple off the chaotic pudu raya bus station. i was in brickfields and I visited this Ganesh temple a few times. I suggest ppl from and around KL visit this temple and seek blessings of kottumalai Pillaiaar.
Dear Kumaresh,
I'm not an ordinary person like everyone,I was born with Lord Ganesha,I myself enjoyed reading your article,I have been to this temple,and I can feel the power of this temple,Lord Ganesha is very happy to be at this temple.Jai Ganesha!
Om Gam Ganapathiyai Namaha ...
I was visiting this temple along with my wife, Usha, when I was posted in KL for a short while during 2005 and was blessed with HIS Kindness.
He gives lots of strength and courage to all who visit HIM.
JAI SHRI GANESHA ...
This temple was a DIVINE place of worship years ago when Samu Vathyar was the head priest....BUT unfortunately this temple has now become a business entity where all the priests just want to make money of GOD Vinayagar and the temple committee has made the temple to look like a prison and I feel very sad how malayasian HINDUS have become DEMONS
Vinayagar Baktan
Dear Kumaresh Batumalai,
Namaskaram to you. A great seva you are doing to our great Sanatana Dharma. Your article of the temples of Malaysia are inspiring and very informative. One of the reader laments that the Malaysian temples have become a money making business. It is true to every word he said, however regardless how materialistic the priests and the temple authority may become, the Lord within the temple is not affected one bit...Like the ever graceful Sun in the sky, He always shines His ray of Blessings and Love equally to all whether the person is a saint or a sinner. The focal point for any devotee in the temple should be the Deity that is there to welcome you and bless you, leave all other distraction aside and fully concentration in that Grace. When one start looking at all the negativeness around such holy places, than its that negativess that you are going to take away with you when you leave the temple. Just my simple observation. Om Sakthi. Keep up the good work, Mr. Kumaresh...Mangalam Asthu. gdkali@yahoo.com
Vanakam,
I totally agree with your comment. However I wish that Hindu temples would be transparent in their financial transactions, hence devotees would gain confidence. Also, many financially sound temples should participate in the upbringing of Hindu society; provide food for the underprivileged, Hinduism classes for those lacking, maintenance and upkeep of Tamil schools, and nurture and protect Hindu arts.
HERE is the place where Lord Ganesha answered a very curious prayer from me (a former non-believer).
The Lord Ganesha made me feel hid presence in this very temple.
Praises to His name.
Watch the Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Ganesar Court Hill Temple, Pudu ( Kuala Lumpuer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ovBTw2V4So
Im non Malaysian (but indian) currently for work @ KL , after hearing and read thru many blogs about this temple , i made sure to visit this temple , i had a very good experience , most good thing i feel was i just visited before Kumbabhi shekam held on 15th Nov 2012 :) , i could the blessing of the God , the temple premises is clean ,well maintained . i was surprised if i can get to such temple out of INDIA .
Thanks to the entire commitees , the Priest who are doing their best day 2 day .
Every Sunday im trying visiti the temple before 9 am to attend the pooja's .
An experience that i felt i should to all out here ,
Thanks ,
vinaya
Hello, what are the timings of this temple?
Thanks
Hi, very useful article. Can anyone share the timing of sanghabishekam and poojai? Thank you
Hi Sehnu,
Currently I don't update any information on temple timings or festivals. I only write about the temple. As this is a one man show, I'm stretched for resources to enhance the information of this blog. My ultimate plan would make this blog into a comprehensive website for 108 Malaysian Hindu temples.
I am a truly believer of this temple. I used to visit this temple whenever I was in KL. Now I'm based in New Delhi. I still a very strong bond with Ganesh Maharajji as I always picture this temple in my daily prayers. I too have experienced HIS blessings in many forms. I just wish there was some way I could watch the Sankh Pooja live. Hope Ganapatiji anwswer my prayers.....🙏
Hi, I would like to know, if this temple perform blessing for vehicles? I have been driving for 20 years. My previous car is accident free. Until 2 years ago I bought this car, I had 8 accidents. The latest one was a huge one as I need to claim insurance. I need blessing for my car badly. If anyone of you know, please give me some info on how do I do it. Thank you in advance.
Go to the temple and get a vehicle archanai done. Call the temple for its time. They will assist you with the rest.
Im performing well in interviews but im nt getting calls from companys what pooja I have to perform
Hi. I visited this temple today. The Shankha pooja starts at 6 am & 4 pm every day, followed by Abhishek at 6:30 am.
Beautiful and peaceful temple!
It is to be noted that a new hotel adjacent to the Temple (Signature Hotel) has already started operations since Tamil New Year 2017 (April).
Helli sir.. Kindly let me know temple timings on weekday and weekends.
WHO EVER STEPS IN HERE THERE IS NO TURNING BACK LIFE IS FULL OF JOY TRUST ME , IM A BORN CATHOLICK EVERY TUESDAY AT 6 AM IM AT HIS FEET , NOT ONCE HE HAS LET ME DOWN FULL OF HOPE AND TRUST IS WHAT IM NOW
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