Sri Maha Mariamman Temple — Attraction in Kuala Lumpur

To Whom It May Concern,

Prayers is when you talk to GOD, meditation is when you listen to GOD.

Please treat this as a suggestion and not a complain, I was there on the 26th January for the Pournami Pooja and surprisingly many Hindu's were not present and I understood that it was due to the Thaipusam Celebration and I was delighted with the presence of other races wanting to know our Culture and Tradition.

However during my 3 hours at the respective place, I realized that maybe we did not educate others about our religious and the behaviors as well, as much as I was happy & welcoming other races who had the interest in knowing our religion I realized we have failed to inform them that there are decent attributes that we need to abide.

These foreigners came in, It was countless moments: happy to see them walk in but unfortunately some of them were not aware that they have stepped in to a holy place; there were some who was dressed very indecent, revealing their body and this is never our culture and not forgetting some behaving indecent as well, smooching, hugging and kissing in the temple area which made me take the next step to email this to the respective person in charge.

I was never happy with their behaviors and was sorry for it; I would suggest if we could put up a board for Foreigners for the DO's & DON'T's when they are entering the temple area; this would help them understand the respect attributes they should contribute and this would give the rest a comfortable moment in the temple.

I hope my suggestion would be considered by your committee.

Thank...

The Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Tamil: ஸ்ரீ மகாமாரியம்மன் திருக்கோவில்,கோலாலம்பூர்) is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Founded in 1873, it is situated at the edge of Chinatown in Jalan Bandar (formerly High Street). In 1968, a new structure was built, featuring the ornate 'Raja Gopuram' tower in the style of South Indian temples.

From its inception, the temple provided an important place of worship for early Indian immigrants and is now an important cultural and national heritage.

The Sri Mahamariamman Temple was founded by K. Thamboosamy Pillai in 1873 and was initially used as a private shrine by the Pillai family. The family threw the temple doors open to the public in the late 1920s and eventually handed the management of the temple over to a board of trustees.

This is the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Malaysia. It is also reputed to be the richest in the country. The temple was originally sited somewhere near the Kuala Lumpur railway station. It shifted to its present location along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee (next to KL's Chinatown) in 1885.

The initial attap structure was demolished in 1887 and a brick building was erected in its place. That structure was demolished to make way for the current temple building which were completed in 1968. The impressive gateway to the temple, known as the gopuram, was completed in 1972. The new temple was...

This Hindu temple is one of the most vibrant and visually stunning places I’ve ever visited. The moment you stand in front of the entrance, you’re struck by the colorful and detailed tower gate (gopuram) that rises high above the street. Covered in hundreds of intricately carved and painted deities, the facade is a masterpiece of South Indian Dravidian architecture.

As you step inside, the atmosphere changes instantly—peaceful, spiritual, and filled with the scent of incense. The interior is equally beautiful, with shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga. Every statue is decorated with fresh flowers and silk garments, and the attention to detail is absolutely incredible.

What I found especially touching was how the space is open to both worshippers and curious visitors. People were taking photos respectfully, while others offered prayers or lit incense. It felt like a sacred place that also welcomed cultural exchange.

If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, this temple is a must-visit—not only for its visual beauty, but for the sense of serenity and cultural richness it offers. It’s free to enter, but please dress modestly and be respectful of the rituals taking place. I truly appreciated the hospitality and the opportunity to learn more about Hindu culture through this...