History reveals that the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple was first established in 1873. But it was meant as a private shrine of a Tamil family from southern India. After that it was rebuilt on its present site in 1885. Currently the temple has become Kuala Lumpur main Hindu temple and it plays an important role during Thaipusam festival.

The unique feature of the temple is that the temple is laid out in the form of a reclining human body, with the head pointing to the west and the feet to the east. The feet are represented by a five-tiered gopuram or entrance gate which is decorated with intricately carved statues of various Hindu deities. An extensive renovation of the temple in 1960 has added gold and previous stones while Spanish and Italian tiles were added to the gopuram.

The interior of the temple are several altars displaying images of Hindu gods. The temple also houses the ornate silver chariot used in the procession during the fascinating annual Thaipusam festival. The chariot is brought out from the temple’s vault during the celebration, when up to a million devotees converge here and make their way up to the Hindu shrine at Batu Caves. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the temple.

The temple is located about 15 minutes walking distance from the Pasar Seni LRT station.

Location, Map and Driving Direction to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple:

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