About Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, located on Jalan Tun H. S. Lee in Chinatown. Founded in 1873, it is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman and built in South Indian Dravidian style. The temple is notable for its ornate five-tier gopuram decorated with 228 Hindu deities, its richly adorned interior, and its role as an important place of worship for the city's Tamil Hindu community.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an ornate South Indian Dravidian temple with a striking five-tier gopuram tower at the entrance facing Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. Inside, the courtyard leads to a pillared prayer hall and main shrine with colorful sculptures, carvings and deity images. The temple is active with daily prayers and offerings. Visitors can observe architecture, sculptures and rituals from designated areas. The surroundings are in central Chinatown near shops and heritage buildings.
Key highlights
- 01
Five-tier gopuram (tower) decorated with 228 sculpted Hindu deities
- 02
Oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, founded in 1873
- 03
South Indian Dravidian architecture with ornate carvings and colorful sculptures
- 04
Silver chariot housed on temple premises used for Thaipusam procession
- 05
Intricately decorated inner sanctum and pillared prayer hall
History of Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Founded in 1873 by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, a prominent Tamil leader. Originally located near the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, it was relocated to its present site on Jalan Tun H. S. Lee (formerly High Street) in 1885. The current structure was built in 1968 in South Indian Dravidian style. It is recognized as the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur and reflects the early Tamil settlement in the city.
Culture & Context
Dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, regarded as protector against disease and bringer of prosperity. Serves as the principal Hindu temple for Kuala Lumpur's Tamil community and is the starting point for the annual Thaipusam silver chariot procession to Batu Caves. The temple is an important example of South Indian temple architecture and craftsmanship in Malaysia.
Route
| By air |
|---|