Sri Maha Mariamman:
Mariamman or the mother of divine is a powerful goddess worshiped by the devotees with the belief that she would protect them from diseases and evil spirits. Mariamman is one of the main goddess worshiped by the foreign Indian Hindus especially in the region of Malaysia and Singapore.
History:
Sri Maha Mariamman temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.This temple was built by the Tamil Malaysian Mr.K.Thamboosamy Pillai in 1873 who was also the founder of Batu Caves.This temple was built for the private worship of Thamboosamy's family,later in the year 1920 it was opened to public.This oldest temple is situated in China town area and it is a major tourist attraction and also National heritage to Malaysia.The primary deity is Sri Maha Mariamman and the temple is built in Dravidian structure.Once in twelve years the consecration of temple is done according to the Hindu tradition.
Overview:
Sri Maha Mariamman's temple gopuram or main entrance has 5-tiered shaped like pyramid. Gopuram usually resembles the feet of a human lying on its back.The gopuram symbolizes the threshold between spiritual and material world.The main sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Mariamman is situated at the rear of the temple and it resembles the human head.The main prayer hall has richly decorated ceiling with three shrines in the hall.All the shrines have onion shaped domes.Also four other lesser shrines by the side of main temple.On entering the main entrance of the temple one can see Lord Ganesha's shrine,the protector and remover of obstacles.Facing Lord Ganesha's shrine,his younger brother Lord Murugan's shrine is situated.Inside the temple one can see eight figures representing Goddess Lakshmi.One of the many manifestations of Mariamman.The special feature of the temple is the Silver Chariot of Lord Murugan which is used to convey the murti of Lord Murugan from this temple to Murugan temple in Batu caves.Also a building for Mariamman temple was built in the year 2007 and it connects to Sri Mariamman temple at the rear.Front of this building faces Klang bus terminal and Pasar Seni LRT station.The three Storey building with two auditoriums and a hall with two levels of basement carpark.
Festivals:
The two most important festivals celebrated are Thaipusam which falls during the month of January - February and Deepavali which falls during the month of October - November.During Thaipusam,procession of silver chariot of Lord Murugan from this temple to temple in Batu Caves takes place.Deepavali celebration drew a very large number of devotees to this temple offering their prayers on the holy day.
Contact:
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple,
163 Jalan Tun HS Lee,
50050 Kuala Lumpur.
Ph.no: 604 263 4941.
Timings: 6 am - 9 pm.
How to Reach:
Temple located within Chinatown near Petaling street.
By Metro - just exit at Pasar Seni LRT.from there walk about 50 meter along Jalan Sultan & turn left into Jalan Tun H.S.Lee to reach the temple.Also taxis and buses are available.
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