With Deepavali round the corner, Ewe Paik Leong takes the opportunity to visit some Hindu temples in the Klang Valley
1. SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE, JALAN TUN H.S. LEE, KL
Beginning in 1873 as an attap structure, it moved to its present location in 1885. The most prominent feature of this South Indian-inspired temple is the five-tiered gopuram (tower gate) which stands 30 metres high. Skilled artisans from Tamil Nadu were employed to create the idols on the gopuram. The main prayer hall is a stand-alone building with an embellished ceiling. The pride of the temple is a silver chariot that is used to transport the statue of Lord Murugan to Batu Caves during Thaipusam.
2. SRI SUBRAMANIAR SWAMY TEMPLE, BATU CAVES
The temple was founded in 1891 when Thamboosamy Pillai installed a statue of the deity inside a 12m-high cave in a limestone hill. Today, it is known as Temple Cave.
The temple has undergone tremendous expansion. Today, in the grounds of the complex stand a 45m-tall statue of Lord Murugan and a 15m-tall statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God.
The Art Gallery Cave, Museum Cave and Ramaya Cave are packed with colourful paintings and images of deities.
3. LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE, JALAN KASIPILLAI, KL
This temple was founded in 1919 in Gombak Lane, behind Coliseum cinema. In 1982, after moving to its present location, a new structure was built. This temple is unique as it showcases the Nagara or North Indian style of architecture rather than the Dravidian style of South India. The main entrance on the ground floor is flanked by two paintings of elephants. The main prayer hall is on the first floor. Apart from Lakshmi Narayan, other deities installed include Maa Durga, Ganesh (Elephant God) and Hanuman.
4. SRI KANDASAMY TEMPLE, JALAN SCOTT, KL IN BRICKFIELDS
Built in 1909 by the Ceylon Tamils, this temple adheres to the Saivite style of architecture. Apart from Lord Subramaniam, other deities are also worshipped. An elaborate arch stands over the main grilled gate while a multi-tiered tower graces the main door. The ceiling of the prayer hall is adorned with lotus designs composed of concentric rings. A sacred pond called Skanda Pushkarani featuring four idols, is found in the grounds of the temple. There is also a sacred garden called Savarana Poigai, embellished with four peacock statues.
5. SRI MAHA THURKAI AMMAN TEMPLE, JALAN KUALA GARING, RAWANG
This temple was founded in 1990, and its present structure was officially opened in 2005. The primary deity is Durgai Amman, depicted as a woman with a fearsome appearance and eight hands. Beside her stands her mount, a lion, which she rides when battling demons. In her hands, she carries the following weapons: bow and arrow, trident, conch, sword, spear, thunderbolt, chakra and club. Other deities are also worshipped, and visitors get an educational tour of the Hindu pantheon as they are all named with plaques.
6. SRI GANESAR TEMPLE, JALAN PUDU LAMA, KL
Dedicated to the Elephant God, this temple was founded in 1897 when an Indian gardener erected a small shrine under a tree in the orchard of his English employer. Later, when the Englishman fell ill, the gardener had a dream in which the Elephant God instructed him to conduct prayers for his employer. The gardener did as he was told and the Englishman recovered. In gratitude, the Englishman built a bigger structure to replace the original shrine. This temple is famous for its sankha puja (or conch shell puja) which is conducted twice daily all year round.
7. OM SRI MAHA ATHI NAGESWARI AMMAN TEMPLE, JALAN SURIA PUCHONG 6, PUCHONG
This is one of the most spectacular Hindu temples in the country, and is dedicated to the snake goddess Nageswari Amman. Designed by Datuk K. Rajendran, the structure was based on similar temples built by Rajaraja Chola I of India, who lived 1,200 years ago. Prominent features of the structure include seven pillars topped with seven-headed cobras and two multi-tiered pyramidal towers. There are 924 snake carvings in the temple, which includes a multi-purpose hall.
8. SRI SUBRAMANIAR TEMPLE, JALAN PJS 7/13, BANDAR SUNWAY
An elaborate pyramid-shaped gopuram is the attention-grabber in this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The surrounding walls of the complex are decorated with peacock motifs and, inside, there are pillared corridors and massive statues. The thick pillars are embellished with pilasters and the ceiling of the prayer hall sports colourful lotus designs. Typical of Dravidian architecture, the sanctum housing the image of Lord Murugan is also crowned with a smaller gopuram. The majestic interior of the temple makes it popular for wedding ceremonies.
9. SRI SAKTHI ESWARI TEMPLE, JALAN SS 3/39, PJ
Established in 1968 in Seaport Estate (now Kelana Jaya), this temple moved to its present location in 1983. In 2003, a wedding hall was added. The temple has its own chariot which was crafted in separate pieces in Tamil Nadu and assembled here. In the Tamil month of Aadi, the deity Poorviha Amman is taken out on a procession. The gopuram has an entrance door guarded by two stone lions. The ceiling of the prayer hall is unique as it is decorated with paintings of deities instead of abstract lotus designs.
10. NAGARA THANDAYUTHAPANI TEMPLE, BATU 2½, JALAN IPOH, KL
This temple was founded by the chettiars in 1893. An arched gateway leads down a sheltered pathway to the prayer hall whose design is inspired by the architecture of typical Chettiar homes in India. The deity Lord Thandayuthapani sits in an elevated room at the end of the prayer hall, and is visible to passers-by. A separate Chettiar Hall is under construction. An interesting spot in the temple is a peacock pen where eight birds live. If you are lucky, you may see the birds spreading their tails.