- Address: Jalan Tun HS Lee, City Center, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 3-2078 5323
- Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00
- Admission: free
Among the oldest Hindu temples of the Malaysian capital is Sri Mahamariamman. It is also considered one of the most beautiful similar structures of the whole country thanks to an unusual facade decorated with rich ornaments.
History of construction
The construction of the shrine was completed in 1873. Its initiator was the leader of one of the resettlement diasporas who arrived in Kuala Lumpur from South India. The appearance of the building resembles the facade of the palace, which can be found in any Indian province. Originally the temple was used only by members of the family of its founder, but years later opened the doors for all comers. Sri is the place of worship of the goddess Mariamman, who is considered the patroness of the sick, able to withstand the most terrible epidemics. Mariamman is many-sided, she is known to believers as Kali, Devi, Shakti.
Reconstruction work
Little is known that the first building of the temple of Shri Mahamariyaman was built in a tree. Two years later he was recreated in stone. By decision of the city authorities after 12 years of existence, the shrine was moved to the Chinatown area. The building was carefully dismantled on the stones and restored to a new place in an unchanged form. After 8 decades, the main Hindu temple of Malaysia was rebuilt in the same place. Builders have preserved the unique style of the temple. The only innovation was the tower above the central entrance, decorated with sculptures of 228 Hindu gods, which were made by famous masters of India and Italy. It has 5 levels and rises upwards by 23 m.
Interior decoration
The temple of Shri Mahamariamman attracts attention not only with its bright appearance, but also with rich interior decoration. The walls of the shrine are decorated with colorful ornaments made of ceramic tiles. The main hall is painted with epic murals and murals. Sculptures of Hindu deities and heroes of ancient legends are everywhere set up. After the reconstruction, precious metals and stones appeared in the decoration of the building.
The property of the temple and the celebration
However, the main relic of Shri Mahamariyamman is the chariot made of silver and supplemented with 240 bells. It is used for the celebration of Taipusama, which gathers many believers. In a beautiful chariot set a statue of the deity Murugan, who is especially honored by the Indians. The solemn procession is moving along the streets of the city to the outskirts and cave of Batu . People are also very busy in Shri during the celebration of Diwali - the annual festival of light . Believers dress in festive clothes, pray, light candles and lamps, singing the victory of light over darkness.
Information for tourists
The doors of Sri Mahamariamman are open to believers and tourists. When visiting a temple it is important to consider the following rules:
- dress inconspicuous clothing that covers the knees and shoulders;
- always remove your shoes at the entrance.
How to get there?
The Shri Mahamariamman Temple is located in the remote area of Kuala Lumpur . You can get to it by bus. The nearest stop of Jalan Hang Kasturi is about half a kilometer from the place. It arrives routes Nos. 9 and 10.