Category: Indian Influenced Buildings

Penang Isle: Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani (The Waterfall Hilltop Temple)

As the largest temple dedicated to Lord Murugan outside India, the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple located in the Botanical Garden (or Waterfall) area of Penang was built at a cost of approximately USD 3.1 million and took five years to complete. The staircase of 512 steps leading up to the new temple was found to be longer than the 272-step the Hindu temple in Batu Caves, Selangor. The temple complex and its hill area also houses several other Hindu shrines as well as a massive statue of Lord Shiva.

The new temple features were inspired from the South Indian Chola and Pallava eras and mainly used imported materials from India.
The old temple is popularly known as the Waterfall Hill Temple or Lord Murugan Temple in the island and is also the main site of the annual Thaipusam pilgrimage.

Thaipusam 2024 in Penang

Thaipusam scenes at the compound nearby Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple in George Town, Penang.

Thaipusam in Penang paints a vivid tapestry of religious devotion and cultural spectacle. Celebrated annually in late January or early February, this Hindu festival honors Lord Murugan with a mesmerizing procession from Georgetown to the sacred Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple atop the Waterfalls hill area.

The highlight is the iconic Silver Chariot, adorned with devotees carrying ornate kavadis, creating a symphony of traditional music and rhythmic drumbeats. The atmosphere is electric as devotees showcase their unwavering faith through acts of penance, including body piercings and elaborate decorations (also known as Kavadi bearer). Thaipusam in Penang is not only a religious event but a testament to the island’s cultural richness and the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities, offering a must-see experience for locals and tourists alike.

Thaipusam Festival: Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The Sri Mahamariamman Temple on the Thaipusam evening. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in George Town and is located in Penang’s Little India along Queen Street.

Penang Perspective: A Night at an Indian Temple

Happy Deepavali to those who celebrate it.

This is a shot of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town, which is one of the oldest Hindu temple here.

George Town World Heritage City

Various images showing the many heritage buildings and major places of worship in the city of George Town. As part of its recognition to be accorded with the World Heritage status, July 7th is designated as George Town World Heritage Day and it is also a state holiday here in Penang.

Penang Isle: Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in George Town and is located in Penang’s Little India along Queen Street. The historical temple was built in 1833 and is also known as Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

On a side note, Thaipusam festival was also held on 8 January this year in Penang.

Penang Hindu Temple: The Waterfall Temple Arch

A beautiful arch-entrance to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani in Penang.

Wishing all Hindus a Happy Deepavali!

Butterworth Bagan: Sree Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Hindu Temple

Sree Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Hindu Temple is an old and historical Hindu temple located at the Bagan Luar area in Butterworth. The temple was found to have originated from a small hut built by the local Hindu community here in 1853 as a place of worship for the Hindu mother deity Amman. Subsequently, the temple underwent additional renovation and expansion into a beautiful and impressive temple complex today.