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"Located in Georgetown, Penang, the Sri Mariamman is a typical South Indian temple with elaborately sculptured and painted 'gopuram' towering above the entrance."
Introduction
In the heart of Little India in Pulau Pinang's town of Georgetown, in the corner of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Queen, lay the Sri Mariamman Temple. Sri Mariamman is the oldest and, arguably, most famous Hindu temple in Malaysia. Decorated in the colourful and distinct style of South Indian architecture, the temple is adorned by nearly 40 statuettes of Hindu Gods, Goddesses and sacred animals. Many of the statuettes are mounted on the impressive facade of the temple which rises over 23 feet high.
The interior walls of the temple The interior is also adorned by various statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, including a priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam - the much respected Hindu deity, adorned in gold, diamonds and emeralds. The quiet and peaceful air within the temple is broken only by the occasional cooing of the many doves that flock the temple grounds. Prayers are usually conducted by the temple priests in the early morning and visitors can observe these prayer sessions taking place with permission.
History
The Sri Mariamman temple was built in 1883. The Goddess Mariamman, from which the temple derived its name, is represented by the statuettes of four swans – one of the goddess' many incarnations.
Events & Festivals
Every year, during the annual Thaipusam festival, which is usually held in January, the temple is flocked by both worshippers and curious visitors wishing to witness the ceremonies that take place at the temple. A highlight of the Thaipusam celebration is the procession of the bejewelled Lord Subramaniam statue in a silver chariot.
People
The third largest ethnic group in Malaysia, the predominantly Hindu Indian community, makes up roughly 8% of the population, or close to 2 million, making Malaysia home to the 7th largest group of Hindu adherents in the world. Due to this fact, visitors will notice many other Hindu temples found all over Malaysia, including the one in Batu Caves.
Nearby Attractions
The surrounding area of Little India, harbours plenty of things to see and do. Walk further north, up Jalan Kapitan Keling from the Sri Mariamman temple, you will find the Kuan Ying Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple). Just across Lebuh Chulia from the Sri Mariamman temple, you will find the Kapitan Keling Mosque.
Travel Advice
If you wish to enter the Sri Mariamman temple, it would be polite to ask permission form any of the priests who happen to be in the vicinity of the temple. However, visitors are usually welcomed by both the authorities of the temples as well as the temple's worshippers. Please remember, take the lead from temple worshippers and remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
For more information, please contact:
Penang Tourism Action Council
56th Floor, KOMTAR
10000 Penang
Tel : +604-262 0202
Fax : +604-263 1020
Email : enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my
Last viewed - July 05, 2008
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