Sri Thendayuthapany Alayam, Cameron Highlands (Perak)

This massive spiritual edifice was planned, constructed and managed by the early Hindu settlers of Cameron Highlands, mostly from Department of Road Works. It is believed to have been initiated by Govinda Chettiar, a pious devotee, who wanted the Hindu community of Cameron Highlands to receive the divine blessings of Lord Thendayuthapany. The initial structure of the temple was built in 1930, and was later renovated several times to accommodate the growing number of the Hindu community in Cameron Highlands. To date, it is the biggest Hindu temple in Cameron Highlands, and serves the Hindu community to its utmost capacity.

The temple’s yearly ‘Tiruvila’ (Temple Celebration) is held on Chitra Pournami, and is conducted in a grand scale. Hundreds of staunch devotees descend from all over Malaysia, and Singapore, to participate in the ‘Tiruvila’, and show their gratitude to Lord Thendayuthapany. The temple has a strong following of the Chinese society, mostly from the business community. These businessmen seek the blessing of Lord Thendayuthapany before a business endeavour, and if successful, contribute back to the temples as an act of gratitude. Lord Thendayuthapany in Cameron Highlands is also famed for blessing offspring to childless couples. Many couples seek Lord Thendayuthapany’s spiritual intervention to obtain an offspring, and their pleas are mostly answered. Some ardent Hindu devotees have had the vision of Lord Thendayuthapany in this auspicious temple, as a youthful deity, holding the eternally powerful ‘Vel’ (Divine Spear). The statue of Lord Idumban has also been consecrated at this temple, and his ‘shakti’ (divine energy) is supposed to be very strong. Many devotees seek his blessing to cure ailments, black magic curses, financial difficulties and domestic problems.

The ‘shakti’ (divine energy) of this temple is alluringly powerful due to the gold ‘yantra’ (sacred diagram) consecrated at the bottom of main sanctum. As gold contains the highest spiritual element amongst all metals, hence it is able to transmit divine blessings from the heavens upon the visiting devotees to this temple. Another important aspect is the ‘Vel’ and ‘Kodi’ (flag) of this hilly temple. Both are the primary symbols of Lord Thendayuthapany, and are made from silver, which is the second most auspicious metal after gold.

Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam, Kangar (Perlis)

Originally built in 1968, this majestic temple is distinctive as it is one of the rare temples in Malaysia whereby Lord Muruga is in his fierce battle form, ever ready to annihilate evil ‘asuric’ (demonic) forces. The mighty Lord Arumugaswamy presides here as a six faced deity with his two consorts, Sri Valli and Sri Devayanai in the main ‘moolasthanam’ (inner sanctum). Lord Arumugaswamy’s statue is made from ‘Karungkal’ (black granite), whereby his front three faces are face forward and the other three faces the back. Each of Lord Arumugaswamy’s twelve hands holds a weapon to suppress the ‘asuras’.

A significant historical moment of this temple was in December 1981 when the late Swami Kirubanantha Varriyar visited the temple. In July 1992, the temple was again blessed by the visit of the late Swami Kirubanantha Varriyar. He counselled the temple management to take great care of this temple, as there were only few temples in the world that had Lord Arumugaswamy, in his six faced form in the ‘moolasthanam’ (inner sanctum). In January 2005, the temple was visited by an Australian Hindu, Carl Vadivel Belle. He was on his holy pilgrimage to Malaysia for Thaipusam and made a visit to the temple. He felt the mystical spiritual presence of Lord Arumugaswamy when he entered the temple.

Another important aspect of this temple is the Golden ‘Vel’, which was donated by a spiritual aspirant in Perlis. The Golden ‘Vel’ has been since used in many major temple festivals, particularly for ‘Vaigasi Vishagam’. The festival ‘Vaigasi Vishagam’ is observed in the month of May-June, on a full moon day. The day is supposed to be whereby Lord Arumugaswamy incarnated in this world to battle evil ‘asuras’.

Address: Jalan Jubli Perak, Bukilt Lagi, 01000 Kangar, Perlis. Tel: 04-9764441

Sri Mahalaxmi Alayam, Ipoh (Perak)

As there is very few temples dedicated to Goddess Laxmi in Malaysia, this shrine stands out like a blooming pink petal lotus on murky mud. In the 1960’s, a Hindu devotee by the name of Mr.Samy brought a Laxmi statue to Malaysia from the sacred Tiruvanamallai hills from Tamil Nadu, India. He chose to build a shrine for Goddess Laxmi in the outskirts of Ipoh town, as there are plenty Hindu residents in this area. In addition, the selected area was in a jasmine orchard, therefore more apt for the worship of Goddess Laxmi. In 1990, the shrine was renovated, and was completed during “Varusha Pirappu” (Tamil New Year), hence a yearly festival was held during the “Varusha Pirappu”. During this period, the previous cement statue was replaced by a granite statue, to allow the pouring of ritual “Abhisekham” (liquid oblations).

This shrine is renowned for the blessings of offspring to childless couples. Many Hindu couples from around Malaysia come to this temple to seek Goddess Laxmi’s blessings to have children, and are never disappointed. In addition, Goddess Laxmi always takes care of her ardent devotees, ensuring their welfare is her priority. There was an old lady who used to take of this shrine. She used to clean the shrine daily, and light the “Kuthu Vilakku” (Oil Lamp). Her spiritual chores were taken over by a full time priest, as she was getting old. Due to ill-fate, the old devotee became paralysed. Despite her disability, she visited the shrine daily, praying to Goddess Laxmi. Her spiritual endeavour was blessed by Goddess Laxmi, as the devotee soon recovered from her ailment. Another dedicated devotee used to offer lotus flowers every Friday to Goddess Laxmi at this shrine. On the way to work by motorcycle, the devotee was knocked by oncoming vehicle. Despite the motorcycle becoming a total wreck, the devotee was completely unscathed. A crowd of onlookers claimed to have witnessed a bright light hovering around the devotee during the accident. Some devotees have also had visions of Goddess Laxmi, giving spiritual advice when necessary. The vision of Goddess Laxmi, was described that she was seated on a pink lotus, had brilliant golden complexion and was wearing a luminous green sari with pink borders.

There is also an idol of Nagamman at this shrine, who is the guardian deity of this shrine. Her existence is confirmed by the presence of a very large cobra, which frequents the shrine after dusk. Devotees who come late to the shrine have witnessed the cobra slithering out of the shrine. In addition, there is a “Trisulam” in this shrine, which is supposed to have been located in this shrine since the establishment of the shrine.

Address: 142, Jalan Lahat, Ipoh, Perak. Phone: 019-5128110 (Mr.Tamil Selvan)