Settled in the midst of a large Indian community dwelling of Taman Mahsan, a modest shrine for goddess Kaliamman was established but unfortunately was in a derelict condition. Balakrishnan, a long-time resident of that area, had his humble home opposite the dilapidated shrine. He noticed the neglected shrine being encroached by 'lalang' (weedy grass), which stirred an emotional connection deep within his pious soul. He immediately decided to start taking care of the shrine. He lit clay lamps daily at the shrine after returning home from arduous work. After a few months, Balakrishnan had a vivid dream of a goddess glowing resplendently, her face radiant with turmeric and a large 'kungumam pottu' (sacred red dot) adorned her forehead. With a gentle voice, the goddess instructed him to build a spiritual abode for her to live. Balakrisnan, endearingly called as 'Thatha' (Grandfather) by the local residents, approached a priest who was familiar with Sakthi worship. The priest informed 'Thatha' to come back in 2 nights, and he would receive an answer. Within 2 nights, the priest received a holy instruction from Kaliamman prompting him to inform 'Thatha' to look for a particular 'pambu puthu' (snake anthill) within Taman Mahsan, and to start building a temple for goddess Kaliamman. Without delay, 'Thatha' enthusiastically went looking for the 'pambu puthu'. Soon he found a snake anthill that matched the description of the priest.
With the financial assistance and hands-on support from the local community, a small wooden temple was soon constructed for goddess Kaliamman. Despite the simple structure, word of mouth spread widely about this mystical temple. Many devotees began to sincerely visit this temple and considered goddess Kaliamman as their spiritual counsellor, pouring their agonizing distress and torturous grievances upon her sacred feet. Anyone who readily accepted the goddess's blissful blessings felt an immense spiritual solace, and gradually their troubles withered away. Those with mild ailments would come to the temple and request 'Thatha' to apply 'vibhuthi' on their forehead. They would soon recover, and honour the goddess with a flower garland made by their own hands. Couples without offspring would adorn the 'arasamaram' (peepal tree) with a miniature baby cradle, and earnestly pray for a boon of progeny. When this desire is fulfilled, couples would often come to the temple and affectionately offer 'sakkarai pongal' (sweet rice) to the goddess. However, devotees with 'naga dosham' (snake curse) would still struggle to conceive pregnancy. Hence, they are advised initially to perform certain remedial measures at the temple's 'pambu puthu'.
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There are 2 'pambu puthu' within the sacred grounds of the temple, a shrine for 'Nagaraja' (Serpent King) and another shrine for 'Naga Amman' (Serpent Goddess). Devotees have witnessed an unmistakable distinction between both celestial serpents. The 'Naga Raja' has a brownish glittering scale whereas the 'Naga Amman' has blackish gleaming scale. Steadfast devotees who offer milk in a pot to these celestial serpents often observe the reduction of milk in a few day. A few fortunate devotees have witnessed these celestial serpents sipping milk from the pot. There is also a shrine dedicated to Pechaiamman, a protective deity connected to childbirth. The beloved caretaker of the temple, 'Thatha' had a sacred vision instructing him to build a shrine for Pechaimman. In the vision, a resonant spiritual voice instructed 'Thatha' to inform those seeking the blessings of Pechaimman to bring a 'seer thathu' (tray of gifts) displaying fruits, vermillion, turmeric, saree and a flower garland. These simple remedial measures enables the soul to alleviate karmic blemishes connected to childbirth.
Myna, a resident of Bahau became a 'thirunangai' (transgender) due to her natural inclination. Due to her unconventional appearances, she became the target of mockery by orthodox neighbours and hostile conservatives. As her parents passed away, goddess Kaliamman became her divine mother. Myna would often go to the Kaliamman temple and profusely weep at the holy feet of goddess Kaliamman. The spiritual aura permeating throughout the temple rinsed away the sorrow that agitated Myna. She became devotedly involved in the temple's festivals, dancing exuberantly to honour her divine mother. When she dances during the temple festivals, she often gets into a state of trance, after soaking up the pure divine energy flowing from goddess Kaliamman. With the blessings of the goddess, Myna became an entrepreneur by selling an assortment of flowers and pretty garlands. She then accepted a life partner who understood her gender circumstances and cared for her affectionately.
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Since childhood, Murugan has an enduring divine relationship with the Taman Mahsan Kaliamman temple as his renowned father, 'Thatha' took care of the temple. Several years ago, the temple was incinerated due to an electrical short circuit. This devastated Murugan as well as other faithful devotees of the temple. Becoming disillusioned with the existing conditions, he stopped visiting the temple. Goddess Kaliamman appeared in his dream, and calmly reassured Murugan that the temple would be rebuilt and surpass the elegance of its previous structure. Murugan was jubilant with the declaration by the goddess and joyfully started attending prayers again at the temple. Kumaresan, a loyal devotee of the temple had been unemployed for a year. Although he had graduated from university, he was unable to find meaningful employment. Instead, he worked in various odd jobs to survive financially. Out of sheer frustration, he went to the Kaliamman temple and ranted at the goddess. He bitterly told Kaliamman that he has been dutifully serving her temple for many years. He mournfully asked her to cure his unfortunate predicament. Within a few days, Kumaresan received a job offer with a well known public listed company, offering a lucrative salary. Kumaresan immediately hurried to the temple and fell at the feet of goddess Kaliamman.
A pious devotee of the temple Sivakami has a long-standing relationship with the Kaliamman temple at Taman Mahsan. She had been coming to this temple for many years and is the daughter in-law of 'Thatha'. The both of them used to converse about the goddess and the divine miracles that often occur in the temple. Sivakami herself experienced 2 miracles which she shared with other devotees who visit the temple. The first miracle is related to her son, when he was still a toddler. The family had gone to the Johor Bahru zoo for a visit and was leisurely walking about in the zoo information centre which consisted of 3 levels. Sivakami's father requested to hold the child so the other family member could walk about unhurriedly. The grandfather took the child to the balcony located at the 2nd level to allow the child to have a panoramic view of the zoo. As soon as the grandfather reached the balcony, the child somehow detached himself from his grandfather's clasp and fell through the balcony railings. Sivakami anxiously screamed loudly 'Kalimaa, please help'. The child had fallen a significant distance from the 2nd level, plunging haphazardly into a drain. Bystanders quickly helped to rescue the child out of the drain and immediately called for emergency services. The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital and examined for wounds. Miraculously, the boy had survived the fall without any injury. There was only a cut to his eyebrow, an indication of this divine rescue.
The 2nd miracle happened not long ago, involving Sivakami's sister. The sister was expecting a baby, but regrettably the baby was situated in an abnormal position inside the mother's belly, which would definitely complicate the delivery. The sister that was initially elated about the pregnancy was now totally distraught about the complex situation. She cried to Sivakami, explaining her plight in anguish. Sivakami pleaded with Kaliamman to help her sister overcome this dilemma. That very night Sivakami had an auspicious dream of Kaliamman gently caressing the pregnant belly of her sister. The goddess was elegantly dressed in a shimmering cream coloured saree. Goddess Kaliamman assured Sivakami and her sister that everything would be alright, and to offer the goddess milk. Sivakami called her sister the next day and excitedly informed her sister about the dream. Both were overjoyed and silently thanked Kaliamman for the blessings. The birth of the child went smoothly and without any serious problems. Sivakami and her sister promised their beloved divine mother that they will offer her milk during the annual temple festival, as a tribute for the holy miracle.
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A pious devotee of the temple, Megallambal was involved in the collection of funds for the restoration of the temple after a fire outbreak at the temple. Despite limited funds, she vigorously sought for donors to facilitate rebuilding the temple. Despite severe financial obstacles, she and her team managed to acquire the necessary funds for the temple. During this challenging phase, some senior devotees of the temple were not happy with the changes happening at the temple and would often oppose Megallambal. Megallambal would often return home with a heavy heart, reflecting on how to solve these disputes. On one such day, Megallambal's elderly father greeted her with delight. He informed Megallambal that a glowing lady draped in a lustrous cream saree came to their home. She then blessed their home and informed Megallambal's father that everything would be alright. Megallambal was alarmed by this incident and sought the advice of a renowned spiritual healer. The healer in a meditative ritual informed Megallambal that Kaliamman visited her home to shield her against cruel malevolent forces. After this incident, the temple's construction was completed in a short span of time.
The essence of a deeply protective divine mother, Kaliamman is an eternal deity that has emerged in the midst of Taman Mahsan, Bahau. Her presence is irrefutable, accessible to all those who come with a genuine plea. Like a compassionate mother, she cosmically alters our karmic grief into divine blessings. As our pillar of support, her steadfast presence inexplicably strengthens our journey in life. All she asks is to approach her with humility and devotion.
Contact: Megallambal (Secretary) - 016 4730125
Address: Lot 1863, Taman Sri Mahsan, 72100 Bahau, Negeri Sembilan
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