Arulmigu Sri Mhariamman Temple










The Arulmigu Sri Mahariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia since 1833. Sculptures of gods and goddessesover its main entrance are unquestionably allured. Well, this ancient building is located at Queen Street.


This over 200 years temple is also known as Mariamman Temple or Queen Street Indian Temple, the Sri Mahammriamman, Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple. All thesenames refer to the same temple. Visitation to this temple is allowed however it was limited to certain period of the time only, it wise to obtain permission from the priest before entering the temple with bare foot.


Here is the brief history for this temple :


Penang one of the state in north Peninsular Malaysia, became well known for its commodities like nutmeg and pepper in 19th century had attracted traders from Europe, America, Arabia, India as well as China. It was during this time that the Tamil Indians arrived in the island's bustling harbour, and established their own 'Little India' community in the city.


Just like other Indian temples,it begin as small and simple. Throughout 200 years since 1801, although the temple is recognized as a spiritual place for worship, how the temple came to built on this land or who founded it, there is no exact information until 1835. Caption James Low confirms the existence of a temple in Georgetown. The fact that the Mariamman temple was founded in 1833 is first mentioned in anotice of 'Kumbabishegam'(consecration ceremony) held one hundred years later in 1933 with not much else description in that document.


In the year 2008, there was a big celebration commemorating the temple's 175th anniversary.