Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple

Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, located on Jalan Tukang Emas (Harmony Street) in Melaka City, Melaka Tengah District. Built in 1781 by Thavinayagar Chitty, leader of the Chitty community, it is dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Vinayagar). The temple features simple South Indian architecture with ornate gopuram sculptures and is recognized as a Malaysian heritage site within Melaka's UNESCO World Heritage historic core.

Visitors can expect a small, historic Hindu temple on Harmony Street in central Melaka, set among heritage shophouses near Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Kling Mosque. The exterior features a modest gopuram with colourful Hindu deity sculptures, while the interior houses the sanctum dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha) with traditional lamps and shrines. The compound is compact and quiet, suitable for short sightseeing, photography of the exterior, and observing daily prayers.

Built in 1781 by Thavinayagar Chitty, the leader of the Malacca Chitty (Indian Peranakan) community, with land granted by the Dutch colonial government. It is recognized as the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia and the oldest functioning Hindu temple in the Malay Archipelago. The temple was constructed to serve the Chitty community and has been maintained by their descendants. It is designated as a heritage site within the Melaka Historic City UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is the main religious centre for the Malacca Chitty community and is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha), remover of obstacles. Located on Harmony Street alongside Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Kling Mosque, it exemplifies Melaka's long-standing multicultural and multi-religious coexistence. It remains an active place of worship for daily prayers and Hindu festivals.