Sri Mariamman Temple, Penang
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sri Mariamman Temple is also the name of a large Hindu temple in Medan, Indonesia, and of many temples in Malaysia and Tamil Nadu, India.
| English | Sri Mariamman Temple |
| Chinese | 马里安曼兴都庙 |
| (Pinyin | ) |
| Malay | Kuil Sri Mariamman |
| Tamil | ஸ்ரீ மாரியம்மன் கோவில் |
Built in 1883, this is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia, which features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and facade.
From its inception, the temple provided an important place of worship for early Indian immigrants and is now an important cultural and national heritage.
[edit] Architecture
Built in the south Indian Dravidian style, the temple most outstanding feature is the impressive gopuram (tower). Rising above the entrance, it features Hindu deities, soldiers and floral decorations.
Housed within its ornately decorated interior is the priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. The statue figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on a silver chariot though the city streets to the temple.
Once every 12 years, in keeping with Hindu tradition, the temple is reconsecrated.
[edit] Occasions
The temple is particularly packed on Deepavali and Thaipusan with thousands of devotees eager to offer their prayers on the holy days.
| Hinduism |  |
|---|---|
| Śruti | Smriti | Denominations | Hindu deities | Gurus and Saints | Schools of Hinduism | Karma and Dharma | Moksha | Yoga | Mantras | Jyotish and Ayurveda |
