Petaling Estate Sri Maha Mariamman Alayam (Old Klang Road), Kuala Lumpur

Mariamman is an ancient goddess, who is generally portrayed in a sitting position, her upper right hand carrying a ‘damaru’ (hourglass shaped drum), ‘trisulam’ (trident) in her upper left hand, a long sword in her lower right and a kapala (bowl) in her lower left. A five-headed cobra rises above her crown, indicating that she is the queen of snakes.  One of her hands usually displays an ‘abhaya mudra’, to ward off fear.  The Petaling Estate Amman temple had humble beginnings, but now is a resplendent, spiritual fortress for the Hindus of this vicinity.  It was built by a British company, (Harrison & Crossfield), in the early 1890’s, for the welfare of its significant Hindu workforce.

As soon as you step foot into this spiritual stronghold, you are transported, body and soul, into a different dimension that pulsates with soothing spiritual vibrations. The presence of the Goddess is greatly felt, as she takes a personal note on the well-being of her devotees, ensuring that every plea, petition or prayer, no matter how trivial or complicated, is attended to by herself and her troop of ‘devas’ (spiritual beings). It is no wonder why her ‘shakti’ (divine energy) is so greatly felt, as this temple often conducts ‘Homa’ (fire ceremony), which include ‘Chandi Homa’, Pratyangira Homa, Gayathri Homa. In addition, every Pournami and Amavasai, a Navavarna puja is conducted. This puja is closely associated with Goddess Mariamman, as it includes offerings of 9 types of salutation, 9 types of flower , 9 types of ‘abisekam’ (oblation), 9 types of prasadam (food offering). Temple devotees have had many visions of the Goddess, in dispensing advice and instructions. During the temple renovation, the temple committee chairman and his members had visions of the Goddess instructing them on the intricate details of the temple restoration work, which include ‘Ranjhita Bandhanam’ (metal strip around deity pedestal), which employs silver. Goddess Mariamman, also known to ward of diseases, has cured the illness of her staunch devotees. One such devotee, whose infant daughter had contracted a high fever, and was not cured by conventional medicine, immediately sought refuge in Goddess Mariamman.  Soon after, the devotee dreamt of an old man coming out from the temple’s inner sanctum and applying ‘vibhuti’ (holy ash) on her daughter. The daughter soon recovered, and both pray ardently to Goddess Mariamman, in dedication and gratitude.

This temple is distinct as it has ornately, hand carved granite statues of Navagraha deities, including Surya Bhagavan riding in his chariot, and his 2 consorts. The deities were donated by the late Tun Sambanthan, and are more than 60 years old. In addition, there are two very large ‘trisulam’ (trident) at the entrance of temple, striking as an abode of ‘shakti’ (divine energy). The Maha Meru yantra which has been consecrated in the inner sanctum, has been forged by ‘aimpon’ (5 metals), and coated with gold. The late Sambamoorthy Sivachariar from India, when he visited the temple, commented that the presence of the Goddess is greatly potent, however should be harmoniously maintained, thru a Maha Meru yantra. The elaborately engraved silver chariot is a sight to behold, made from 170 kilograms of silver, and depicts impressions of articles of the Goddess Mariamman. Another interesting detail of this temple is the 8 ‘bali peedam’s’ (sacrificial alter) around the temple, which is not common in Malaysia. Throughout the temple are lavishly carved granite pieces, and beautiful brass ornaments, especially at the entrance and the inner sanctum, which have given a spiritual serenity and radiant glow to this temple.
Address: No.5, Jln Station (Kg.Pasir Baru), Batu 5 ¾, Jln Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-77818106