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Wonderful Malaysia

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur

It might not have occurred to you that a house of worship could be both cultural and attention-grabbing at the same time. The Sri Mahamariamman temple in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular temples among worshippers and visitors alike. The Sri Mahamariamman temple was built in year 1873 by K. Thamboosamy Pillai but was only opened to the public in the 1920s. After withstanding time and elements, the original structure was replaced with the current building in 1968. Today, with more than a century of history, the Sri Mahamariamman temple is the oldest as well as the richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.

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So how does the Sri Mahamariamman temple pique your interest? The most remarkable feature of the temple is a structure which is similar to the shape of a human body with its head positioned towards the west and the feet pointing east. The feet are symbolized by a 75-feet high gopuram (monumental tower) standing five tiers high. There is an impressive gateway at every tier, each adorned with 228 Hindu deities that are sculpted in the styles of south India. The chief deity, Sri MahaMariamman, is installed at the inner sanctum which is the only entrance that faces to the east.

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The main prayer hall in the temple decorated by murals and frescos is another focal point for you. The location of three shrines in the main temple is roofed by an ornamental embellished dome. In addition, there are four smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and his brother, Lord Muruga, located around the main prayer hall.

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You could spot a giant sliver chariot which is also a major feature during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. The chariot is brought out from the temple when Thaipusam approaches. You may pay a visit to the temple on that holy day to see for yourself how the chariot is used to carry the statues of Lord Muruga and his consorts (Valli and Teivayanni) up to Batu Caves in wee hours of the morning. Prayers are offered prior to the long possession where devotees attach huge carriers (kavadi) to their bodies by hooks and haul the portable altars with lances piercing their skins. Other devotees will carry containers containing milk as offering to Lord Muruga. Thaipusam is one festival that never fails to attract curious onlookers who are keen to learn and observe Hindu cultures. Another popular festival that puts the Sri Mahamariamman temple in the center of attention is Deepavali, the festival of Light.

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The Sri Mahamariamman temple boasts various intricate architecture that if you are a photography enthusiast, you could spend the whole day here find capturing shots of various angles and perspectives.

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Nearby attractions

Popular attractions nearby the Indian temple are of course the vibrant Petaling Street (Night Day) market, Central Market, Merdeka Square and the equally beautiful Guan Di Chinese Temple (located along the same road, just 40 meters from Sri Mahamariamman).

Opening hours

The temple is open daily from 6am until 8.30pm (Friday until 9.30pm, Saturday until 9pm). During special festivals opening hours sometimes differ.

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Entrance fees

Entrance to the temple is free of charge. A tiny fee of a few ringgit is charged for storing your shoes at a safe place when you are visiting the inside of the temple. Visitors are not allowed in with their shoes on.

Contact details address Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Jalan Tun H. S. Lee (Jalan Bandar)
50050 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: + 604 263 4941

How to get to the Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The temple is located within Chinatown, near Petaling Street. If you are coming by metro, just exit at the Pasar Seni LRT station. From there you have to walk about 50 meters along Jalan Sultan, and then turn left into Jalan Tun H. S. Lee. You will see Sri Mahamariamman on your left side after 50 meters. Jalan Tun H. S. Lee runs parallel to Petaling Street. Alternatively, you could also take a taxis or a bus to your destination, any taxi driver will know the location of the temple.

Video Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Map of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Kuala Lumpur, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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Wonderful Malaysia

Merdeka Day

What is there to do in Malaysia at Merdeka Day? What is the place to be in Kuala Lumpur?

The 31st of August is a date that bears a great significance to all Malaysians. During the month of August, the Malaysian flag known locally as the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ which, loosely translated, means Stripes of Glory, can be seen literally everywhere be it on a lamppost, on top of a car, waving in the hands of patriotic Malaysian children and so forth. This seasonal rise in the nation’s love for its country is attributed quite obviously to the independence of Malaysia and the 31st of August is fondly referred to by all Malaysians as Hari Merdeka; the day the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, commemorated the independence of the Federation of Malaya way back in 1957. More than half a century on, it is only natural for such a significant date to still be remembered and this time of the year is also a delight to locals and tourists alike as Hari Merdeka prompts a festive spirit that decorates the country with wonderful displays of culture and tradition in the form of various public events and celebrations organized all across the country.

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Malaysia is known for its many festivities that come with its multicultural society and Malaysians are not the kind to shy away from celebration. Hence, Merdeka, like any other national holiday or festive season, is a colorful and festive time whereby the streets will be strewn with all sorts of patriotically inclined events especially in more central areas such as main townships and of course the capital itself, Kuala Lumpur. The buildup to Merdeka Day is usually very visual, with decorations, mostly involving the Malaysian flag, gracing the exteriors and very likely the interiors of almost every building in the country. The flashiest and most elaborate decorations in conjunction with Merdeka can be found within the country’s many shopping malls and this basically applies to most festivities celebrated in Malaysia. Quite simply, the arrival of Hari Merdeka is one of those times that adds a visual flair to the already interesting everyday backdrop of the colorful country.

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Like almost anywhere in the world, the children of Malaysia are nurtured to be patriotically inclined from the ground up and when Merdeka comes around, these efforts naturally intensify and this is yet another phenomenon observable from the average Malaysian street. Weeks before the day arrives, plenty of activities will take place for the Malaysian young which range from cross country events to performances such as concerts or competitions organized corresponding to the theme of Malaysia’s independence. These activities are usually organized in public which would allow the local community, passersby and tourists alike to all soak up the patriotic atmosphere channeled through the generation of tomorrow.

merdeka square malaysia

It is only fitting that the highlight of Merdeka takes place on the day of its declaration itself. On the 31st of August, all Malaysian states will organize a local Merdeka Parade. Among those who participate in this parade are government services such as the military, the police force, naval forces and so forth. It is also very common to see school children participating; another sign of how the nation’s younger generation takes pride in the independence of the country. From an audience’s point of view, the spectacles to look out for in these parades would be the beautiful floats that are a must every time Merdeka comes around. The main events of these nationwide parades usually take place at night whereby a series of on-stage performances are organized to end the significant day on a high note. It is commonplace for local celebrities to participate in these events annually. Every year, various states take turns in organizing the national parade which would usually oversee the attendance of the country’s Prime Minister and the Sultan among many other high profile attendees. On a general note however, the flagship parade is obviously the one that takes place in the capital, Kuala Lumpur as the location where this takes place, Merdeka Square, is the very location the word ‘Merdeka’ was chanted seven times by Tunku Abdul Rahman himself in 1957, signifying a new beginning for the Federation of Malaya; a new beginning that led to Malaysia as we know it today.

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