Athi Eeswaran Temple, Sentul (Kuala Lumpur)

This majestic temple, with the largest ‘Raja Gopuram’ (royal tower) in South East Asia, was built in 1937 by a group of dedicated Saivite followers, lead by the late Dr.Viswalingam. The calm and refreshing vibration in this temple is spiritually intoxicating, nourishing for the soul, plucking off every worry in the stifling mind. This temple is strategically located opposite a Hindu burial ground, whereby the ashes of the crematorium are blown towards the entrance of the temple. Temples of this type are rare, and are known as ‘moksha’ (spiritual salvation) temples.

The ‘Shiva lingam’ (denoting the infinite energy of the Lord Shiva) which has been consecrated in this temple, originates from the holy river Ganges in Kashi, India. The original founder of this temple, Dr.Viswalingam had made a pilgrimage to India. As he was bathing in the holy Ganges river, he found this sacred ‘Shiva lingam’. This particular type of ‘Shiva lingam’ comes only from Narmada River, located in the west of India. This ‘Shiva lingam’ from Narmada river has been made popular by the movie ‘Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom’, whereby Indiana Jones was searching for the sacred ‘Shiva lingam’.

The faithful devotees who ardently attend to ‘Puja’ (Act of reverence through invocations, songs, prayers and rituals) at this temple are abundantly blessed. A dedicated lawyer, who has been actively serving this temple, was promoted to a judge. Another prominent businessman, who was having a downturn in his business, soon regained the profitability of his business after repeatedly donating for ‘Abhishekam’ (Pouring libations on the consecrated deities). In addition, there was an ill-stricken cancer patient, who continuously recited the ‘Mahamrityunjaya Mantra’ (A life restoring mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva), was miraculously cured in 3 months.

Address: Jalan Pusing, Sentul , 51000 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-4041 1028

Muthu Mariamman Temple, Muar (Johor)

‘Muthu’ is defined as pearl in English is the adjective given to this divine form of Goddess Amman. Many devotees pray to this village deity to remove chicken pox or small pox. Hence the adjective ‘Muthu’ is given whereby the gentle goddess takes the disease upon herself, relieving her devotees. A shrine dedicated to Goddess Muthumariaman was believed to have been built in Muar town more than 100 years ago. It was renovated in the 1930’s by prominent Hindu businessman of the town and established as a temple. Initially there was a ‘trisulam’ (three pronged trident) in the main sanctorum, but was replaced by a granite statue.

One of the founders of the temple, Mr.Subbayah was an ardent devotee of the Goddess, and had taken her to be his ‘Kula Deivam’ (ancestral deity). After his daily trip to the temple, only then would he begin his chores. Due to his fondness towards Goddess Mariamman, Mr.Subbayah was blessed with a vision of the deity. In this divine revelation, he was told by the Goddess that during the yearly ‘Kovil Thiruvila’ (temple festival), she was always paraded around the temple in a chariot. The trip had always made her tired, and she gracefully requested to build an ‘Oonjal’ (swing). This was to allow devotees to swing her on the ‘Oonjal’, and chant soothing lullabies that will let her sleep. After this vision, Mr.Subbayah immediately built the ‘Oonjal’, and initiated the ‘Oonjal’ ceremony. Goddess Muthumariamman is ever endearing to her loyal devotees, especially in crisis. Once, a lady devotee was quarrelling with her husband. After the verbal disparage, the lady devotee decided to spend the night at the temple. Unable to sleep at night, she had a dream of Goddess Mariamman patting her back, encouraging her to sleep, and reassuring that everything would be better the next day.

The former President of Singapore, Mr.Sellapan Ramanathan who was born in Singapore but had spent his childhood in Muar, had vivid memories of this magnificent temple, which he often visited. Mr.Ramanathan and his wife Mrs.Urmila visited the Muar Muthumariamman temple on Sunday 10 June 2007, paying homage to their beloved deity. The unique aspect of this temple is the 13 day ‘Kovil Thiruvila’. It is held once a year, and is always overlapping the ‘Navarathri’ (Nine nights) festival. The festival is held in honour of Goddess Muthumariamman, and each day she is worshipped with intricate rituals, until the culmination of the festival.

Address: 29, Jln Mohammadiah, 84000 Muar. Tel: 06-9515470

Nagamalai Alayam, Muar (Johor)

This pre-existing natural temple is unique, as the shrine has been sanctified in a lush tropical hill forest. In 1974, Gopala Menon, the founder of the temple had a vision of Sudarshana Chakra, instructing him to build a shrine for Naga Amman, in a nearby hill forest. After receiving the vision, he immediately set out to the hill. After clearing up a path, he found several natural formed snake mounds and also an earthen bee hive. The natural formed earth mounds were seated below an arched limestone, that resembled a ‘pancha mukam’ (five faced) snake hood. Gopala Menon started meditating at that area, and experienced peace and serenity. He was told that he was from a lineage of Naga Amman devotees, and was entrusted to take care of this temple. He then was given another spiritual instruction, to dig up a well at the bottom of the hill. At the precise location was an underground spring, and was to be used to wash and cleanse the devotees before proceeding to the shrine.

Naga Amman had blessed Gopala Menon with inner vision, and therefore was given spiritual instructions easily. The snake mounds were the private abode of Naga Amman and her seven virgin maidens, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Muneeswaran. Gopala Menon came daily, lighted up camphor for the shrine and performed prayers. Soon, many devotees started attending the prayers and word got around about this hill forest temple. Many ardent devotees witnessed the movement of ‘nagas’ (divine serpents) around the vicinity of the temple. Some have witnessed a golden hued ‘naga’ coming out from the mound, slithering away into the forest. Other devotees have heard ‘Naga Kanni Oli’, whereby is a powerful sound indicating the movement of ‘nagas’. One particular day, Gopala Menon found a coconut with a trunk shaped shoot. He was then instructed by Naga Amman to build a shrine for Lord Ganesha at the bottom of the hill. This was to allow devotees to obtain blessing from Lord Ganesha prior to ascending the hill forest temple.
Certain rules were established by Naga Amman, and conveyed to Gopala Menon. Those were to restrict devotees ascending the temple hill after 7pm, as the ‘nagas’ would come out in human form during this period. Naga Amman also advised to restrict menstruating women praying at the shrine, prohibit meat and alcohol, and to disallow footwear on the sacred hill. Devotees wishing to perform prayers for Naga Amman are advised to bring fresh cow’s milk, jasmine flowers, ‘payasam’ (sweet dessert) or ‘sakkara pongal’ (rice pudding).

Address: 5, Lorong Esa, Bukit Pasir, 84300 Bukit Pasir.
Phone: 019-3005588 (Mr.Gopi Menon)

Sri Veerakathy Vinayagar Temple, Rawang (Selangor)

The suffix “Veerakathy” denotes an aggressive form of the presiding deity in this temple. Lord Vinayagar is the iconic guardian deity of this vicinity, and protects all his devotees fiercely, when the necessity arises. A famous philanthropist of this town had a vivid dream of Lord Vinayagar. Lord Vinayagar instructed him to build a shrine under an “Arasa Maram” (banyan tree). The shrine would allow Lord Vinayagar to protect the welfare of his devotees. The philanthropist immediately installed a statue of Lord Ganesha under an “Arasa Maram”, and offered the burning of camphor on a daily basis. In 1943, the shrine was constructed into an elegant temple, by the effort of the surrounding inhabitants from Rawang town. The first Mahakumbhavishegam was held in October 1944, whereby a priest from South India was invited to perform the required austerities. It is during this period, the priest advised the temple committee to name the temple as Veerakathy Vinayagar temple. The reason was that there is a similar temple in South India. The priest had felt a strong connection between both temples, and urged the committee of the temple to name the temple accordingly.

Plenty of devotees have had many visions of Lord Vinayagar granting wishes, administering advice, and always present in times of danger. A Chinese devotee had a vision of Lord Vinayagar getting rid of all the evil spirits that have haunted him and his family. After this remarkable vision, this devotee comes regularly to this temples, as a mark of respect and devotion. Another Chinese devotee who operates a restaurant had a vision of Lord Vinayagar blessing his restaurant. After which, his business has become successful.
Address: Jln Welmen, 48000 Rawang.
Tel: 03-60920913, 019-6683295 (Temple Chairmen).

Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple, Sungai Petani (Kedah)

The construction of this blessed temple started in 1914. The first Maha Kumbabishegam was held in 1924 and the second Maha Kumbabishegam was held in 1997. The temple has a majestic 'Raja Gopuram' (tall monumental gateway) and flanked by 2 awe inspiring ‘Vel’ (Holy Javelin) at the entrance of the temple. The temple stands on the ground of a former Magistrate Court. Interestingly, the main sanctum of the temple was previously occupied by the judge. The temple devotees have found solace through Lord Subramaniyar’s blessing. Some time ago, a nurse from Singapore came to this temple. She had contracted cancer, and was considered terminally ill. Miraculously, she recovered, married soon after and now has 2 offspring. Another devotee, who was in government service got dismissed from his work for a misdemeanor. In anxiety, he ardently prayed at this temple. Due to his devotion, he was reinstated into his present occupation and also received a promotion.

As Lord Subramaniyar is in the ‘Andi’ (renunciate) form, he occasionally gives advice to devotees in this appearance. A rowdy gangster in this locale had a dream of Lord Subramaniyar requesting him to change his unruly ways. Although the gangster relented, he started coming daily to this temple. Subsequently, the gangster changed from a rowdy bully into a distinguished gentleman. Lord Subramaniyar’s statue was originally brought from India, and shipped to London. However, the statue found its way to its current site. Therefore Lord Subramaniyar of this temple is affectionately known as London Muruga. Many holy people have visited this temple, such as ThiruMuruga Kirubaanantha Vaariyaar, Kavingyar Kannathaasan, Sri Madurai Aathinam and Sri Pitchai Gurukkal. They have all experienced the divine vibration of Lord Subramaniyar’s spiritual stronghold.
Temple address: Jalan Kuala Ketil, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Phone: 04-4212076

Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple, Bedong (Kedah)

This charming temple flows with the bustling and creative energy of Lord Vinayagar, who always assists his faithful devotees. The unique aspect of Lord Vinayagar’s ‘sakthi’ is the celestial supremacy to clear obstacles, and is pivotal in this holy site. The temple was initiated by a group of employees from ‘Jabatan Kerja Raya’ (Department of Road Works). They had constructed the temple 60 years ago, but shifted the current temple to a new site 19 years ago after consulting several spiritual individuals. The land was donated by the state government, and also a local businessman. Soon after, the temple was consecrated by performing a Kumbhavishegam in 1993.

There is abundance of tales about Lord Vinayagar guiding the devotees of this temple. There was an estate clerk in desperate financial trouble, and in extreme anxiety, wept at the shrine of Lord Vinayagar. After this tearful experience, the estate clerk began to receive numerous business opportunities, and soon became a wealthy entrepreneur in this town. There was also a lorry driver who did not have enough funds to pay his children’s university fees. After praying ardently at this temple, the lorry driver striked lottery and managed to pay his children’s university fees. Another tale is a construction developer who pledged to renovate the temple, if his fledgling business took off well. The business began to flourish, and the grateful construction developer renovated the temple.

A distinctive feature of this temple is the statue of Lord Ganesha seated on a chariot, and reigns several horses. The statue was the originally consecrated in the former temple, and has been replaced by a granite statue. The persona of this image strikes a powerful symbol, whereby Lord Vinayagar is the supreme commander of this temple, and will aid all devotees wholeheartedly.
Address: Lot 670, Batu 1, 08100 Bedong. Phone: 016-6062390 (Rajamany), 016-4357384 (Kulasegaran)