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)