Arulmigu Thirumurugan Temple - Mambau, Seremban (Negeri Sembilan)

Our ancestors revealed that once a deity chooses a terrestrial abode on 'Bhuloka' (earth realm), the task to undertake this divine responsibility is conferred upon the shoulders of a chosen ‘thondar’ (volunteer) who qualifies due to their spiritual service. The ‘thondar’ might have an inkling of the task ahead, perhaps illuminated by an auspicious dream or an instruction from a spiritual guru. Our beloved Murugan had chosen Nadeson, a Kaumara devotee to initiate this temple by installing a Murugan statue at an appropriate date with the assistance of the local community. 

This sacred act infused Kaumara worship into the nearby Hindu neighbourhoods, who began fervently praying to Murugan. Festivals such as Thaipoosam and Kanda Sashti viratham enchanted countless devotees to start praying devotedly to Muruga. Devotees placed their anxieties, worries and concerns at the feet of their beloved Muruga, known as ‘vendukol’. Amidst the cries of ecstasy of devotees chanting ‘Vetri Vel Muruganukku Arohara’, the cherished deity Murugan carefully examines all petitions from his devotees, and ensures abundance of blessings through his ‘Vetri Vel’ (victorious spear). All unpleasantness in life is soon resolved, and karmic woes are untangled.

 

There are many cherished stories that are retold with reverence amongst the local Hindu community of Mambau with regard to Thirumurugan temple. During the 2^nd ‘Maha Kumbhabisegham’ (consecration ceremony) of the temple, a pious devotee was involved in the pouring of sanctified waters from a vessel. He was on top of the temple roof, and held a vessel to be poured onto the ‘kovil kalasam’ (inverted metal alloy pot on temple’s rooftop). He inadvertently slipped and was sure to perish. He shouted ‘Muruga, Muruga, save me’. A dazzling figure rescued the assistant priest by firmly holding him at that position. The assistant priest sighed a breath of relief and looked around to thank his saviour, but there was no one next to him. The assistant priest looked up towards the heavenly sky, and offered his humble gratitude for being rescued from an untimely death.

 

The temple finalizes the concluding prayers at 9pm, hence there is not many individuals in the surrounding area thereafter. There are nearby food stalls adjacent to the temple, catering to the needs of devotees that frequent the temple. A particular food stall was closing later than usual. The stall owner was marvelling at the beauty of the ethereal sky, as it was an auspicious ‘Pournami’ (full moon). The sky was lit up by the cool gaze of an iridescent moon, and the stars were sparkling with splendour. The stall owner overheard footsteps coming from the opposite side of the stall. He was about to inform that the stall was shut, when he noticed a spectacular event. He was stunned to have witnessed an exuberant looking youth with a radiating face, decked in gold jewellery and a flower garland, and adorned with a glittering crown. He stood there momentarily shocked at this unusual occurrence. The splendid youth smiled at him and then disappeared. The stall owner hastily rushed to that spot but the youth was nowhere to be found. He could only smell wafts of an exquisite sandalwood fragrance. He then consulted a spiritual master on that occurrence, and was informed that a Hindu deity was observing the encompassing area, and he was fortunate to have witnessed the astounding event.  

 

A well-wisher of the temple happened to pass along the temple on his motorbike. Unfortunately, the motorbike ran out of fuel and stopped directly in front of the temple. As he did carry his wallet at that time, he was wondering on how to resolve the situation. Abruptly a RM10 note blew to his feet out of nowhere, beckoning to be picked up. He picked up the RM10 note and proceeded to purchase fuel from a nearby petrol kiosk. Subsequently he fuelled his motorbike and silently thanked Murugan’s divine assistance during a calamity. Although the well-wisher is from an Abrahamic faith, his heart was captivated by Murugan after the amazing incident. 

 

Another interesting feature of this temple is the ‘naga puthu’ (snake mound) situated at the rear back entrance of the temple. ‘Naga’ (divine snakes) worship is predominant at this temple, and it is customary to offer milk and eggs as a token of gratitude. Furthermore the ‘naga’s are fiercely territorial and guard the boundaries of the temple with utmost dedication. When the temple management had requested a ‘prasanam’ from a famed astrologer with regard to the temple, the astrologer pointed out this fact and also informed the exact location of the ‘naga puthu’. The structure of the temple in its contemporary appearance was given in a vision to Ramayah, another ‘thondar’ of the temple. Murugan had given a detailed design on the precise architecture of the temple, which was then transformed into reality by Ramayah and his band of fellow Kaumara ‘bhakta’ (devotee). Rest assured, Murugan will take care of the temple and its devotees in years to come. 

Contact: 012-6021696 (Ramayah), 012-3601632 (Rajamanickam)

Address: KM6, Jln Port Dickson, Mambau, 70300 Seremban