Sri Mariamman Temple
PenangSentral.com » Penang Tourist Attractions » Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple at Lebuh Queen, Georgetown is Penang’s oldest Hindu
temple which was built in 1883, is filled with colourful statues of Hindu
deities.
This oldest Hindu temple of Penang displays the traditional architectural
designs of South India and has nearly 40 idols of various Hindu gods, goddesses
and animals. Sri Mariamman Temple derives its name from Goddess Mariamman,
represented by one of her incarnations through the statuettes of four swans.
Among the priceless possessions of this ornate building is a statue of Lord
Subramaniam richly decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. During
Thaipusam festival, the statue is taken on a chariot procession by Hindu
devotees.
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
re-consecrated.
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 Mariamman Temple is open daily from 6.30 am - 12.00 noon and 4.30 pm -
9.00 pm.
You can hire a taxi from any location in Penang to reach the Sri Mariamman
Temple.
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