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Malaysia is internationally renowned for its secular credentials. The majority of the Malaysian population consists of Muslims at 61.3%, while Buddhists and Christians hold the second and third positions with 19.8% and 9.2% respectively. Official figures show that Malaysian Hindus make up only 6.3% of the total population, making them the fourth religious group in the country. Although Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim nation, it is considered a popular tourist destination and a peaceful country where followers of all religions are respected and tolerated. Hindu temples can be found in every corner of the country. Some Hindu temples in Malaysia are particularly popular.
Top 9 Hindu Temples In Malaysia
Tourists should not miss the opportunity to visit the famous Hindu temples in Malaysia when planning a trip to the country. We have compiled a list of well-known Hindu temples in Malaysia that are popular among the locals and remain a major attraction for both tourists and devotees:
1. Batu Caves Temple
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Counted among the most famous Hindu temples outside of India, Batu Caves Temple has become a pilgrimage center for Indian Hindus, especially those from South India. This series of limestone caves houses a vibrant Hindu temple inside and is a popular destination for both tourists and hundreds of thousands of Hindu worshippers who visit every day. Historical findings suggest that these caves have existed for approximately 400 million years. The majority of visitors are Hindu worshippers, although tourists also flock here throughout the year. Batu Caves is one of the most visited places in Malaysia today. The temple is dedicated to the South Indian Hindu deity, Murugan. Devotees are required to climb 272 steps to enter the shrine and temple.
2. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is known for housing the wealthiest South Indian Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Located in the Chinatown area, this beautifully designed temple attracts both devotees and tourists who are encouraged to visit at least once. One of the famous Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it was constructed by Late K. Thamboosamy Pillay in 1873 and was initially a private shrine. After opening its doors to the public in 1920, it gained immense popularity as worshippers of the Mother Goddess Amman started flocking here. The intricate statues and grand facade of the temple enhance its beauty. Its main entrance grabs visitors’ attention with an impressive Gopuram. It remains a popular temple in Malaysia with meticulously crafted idols of 228 Hindu deities that are worshipped by devotees throughout the year. The number of visitors multiplies during the Deepavali and Thaipusam Hindu festivals.
3. Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple
Situated in the Malacca state of Malaysia, Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple is internationally recognized as one of the oldest operational Hindu Chitty temples in Southeast Asia. While its architecture is uncomplicated, it captures the attention of both devotees and a large number of tourists. As per historical accounts, the construction of this temple dates back to 1781, by the Chitty preacher Tha Vinayagar Chitty. Devotees of the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha flock to this sacred place. Furthermore, the temple’s proximity to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Kling Mosque is a testament to the strong communal harmony in the country. This location is often referred to as Harmony Street.
4. Tebrau Glass Temple
A renowned landmark in Malaysia, the Tebrau Glass Temple is a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru. Also known as the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, it holds great appeal for the Indian community, particularly Hindu visitors from around the world. The current temple underwent renovations and featured the extensive use of glass, giving it its new name since 1996, when it was opened to the general public. Additionally, it has the distinction of being listed in the Malaysian Book of Records – 2010 as the only glass-built temple in the country.
5. Maran Murugan Temple
Famous Indian Hindu temple in Malaysia, Maran Murugan Temple is frequented by the devotees who worship Hindu deity Lord Murugan. According to Hindu belief, Lord Ganesha’s elder sibling, Lord Murugan, demands equal respect. This temple is also known by its alternative name, Sri Marathandavar Bala Dhandayuthapani Alayam. As the stories unfold, several miraculous events have occurred in the vicinity of this temple. The presence of a sacred tree within the temple premises is considered one such miracle. Devotees come here to reinforce their Hindu faith through worship.
6. Klang Perumal Temple
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Named after its location, Klang Perumal Temple in the Klang area of Selangor region in Malaysia is the oldest Vaishnavite temple popular among Malaysians. This temple is referred to by many metaphors, including being called the “Thirupathi of Southeast Asia,” as well as its other popular name, Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, where Hindus worship in Malaysia. As a large number of South Indian Hindus worship Lord Vishnu, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
7. Waterfall Temple
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Situated in the George Town area of Penang region in Malaysia, Waterfall Temple, also known as Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil Temple, is the place of worship for Lord Murugan in this country. The temple attracts a large crowd during the popular Thaipusam festival celebrated by Malaysian Hindus. An important aspect of this temple is that any devotee wishing to worship here must climb the 513 stairs to pay homage to Lord Murugan. Considered the largest of Murugan shrines outside India, its tallest Gopuram stands at a height of 21.6m, making it a popular attraction.
8. Sri Ayyanar Temple
Hindu place of worship in Malaysia with its connections with a local Tamil village in India, Sri Ayyanar Temple is a globally recognized one today. A belief goes on that one Tamil immigrant worker in Malaysia named Periamma had made a small statue of Sri Ayyanar Hindu Deity with sand and clay materials that had been brought from India then. With rapid increase in the worshippers’ numbers over a period of time, that temporary temple gained manifold popularity. That small temple has already become a popular and magnificent temple today where approximately 72 feet tall Sri Ayyanar statue seeks attention of all worshippers. The original idol which Periamma had crafted centuries ago is still kept there.
9. Sri Shakti Devasthanam
One of the recent yet vibrant Hindu places of worship in Malaysia namely Sri Shakti Devasthanam had its consecration ceremony in the year 2013 in the relatively calm and quiet environment of Bukit Rotan village in Malaysia. Since then, this temple became popular landmark in the Selangor region, where its grand appearance appeals to Hindu devotees for worship. Also famous as Sri Shakti Temple, it is known for its huge Gopuram that was meticulously sculpted to fit in the 5-storeyed temple. All 51 Shakti statues inside the temple corridor seek the attention of all devotees. According to Hindu belief these deities represent the 51 ‘Shakti Peeth’ in Indian subcontinent located in numerous places.
Malaysia has been welcoming the establishment of countless places of worship, including these 9 beautiful Hindu places of worship in Malaysia, which remain worth visiting places during a Malaysian tour. They are not necessarily exclusive for Hindu tourists or devotees only. Good portion of tourists with their belief in other faiths too visit these popular Hindu temples. They are ultimate destinations to evaluate great architecture as well as nature’s abundance in Malaysia. Book a ticket to Malaysia and make sure to stop by at these stunning sights.
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Commonly Asked Questions About Hindu Temples In Malaysia
How many stairs are there in Murugan Temple Malaysia?
Also known as the largest temple cave, there are approximately 272 stairs to ascend Murugan temple in Malaysia.
Are the Batu Caves complimentary?
The entry fee for the dark caves is 33RM per individual, which includes a guide, flashlight, and helmet. However, access to the Batu Caves is free (for the time being).
