The best Hindu temples are situated all around Malaysia. Hindu temples are a significant part of the religion in Malaysia, and a large number of people visit these temples daily. These temples in Malaysia have many of the features of the Hindu temples, just like in India. These include the building of the temple, decorating it, prayers are done, and dedication of the temple by the priest. There are also many Hindu temples in Penang, such as the RSS temple and many more.
The 10 Best Hindu Temples in Malaysia:
1. Batu Caves
Batu Caves is located in Peninsular Malaysia. These caves are one the most popular tourist attractions in the country and are a holy site for Tamil Hindus. It is 13km to the north of Kuala Lumpur. This temple was named after the Sungai Batu (Batu River).
The caves were unknown to anyone except residents until William Temple Hornaday, an American naturalist, revealed their existence to all the rest of the world in 1878. Thaipusam, a Tamil Hindu festival dedicated to Murugan, was celebrated at the temple for the first time in 1892.
It is now a significant festival that draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. The Batu Caves have 272 stairs that are a vast, gold-painted Murugan statue. It is made of reinforced concrete and measures 140 feet high. The entrance of Batu cave is located at the top of the stairs, known as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave.
You can find the dioramas of scenes from the epic times of the cave. More paintings and statues can be seen in the Cave Villa, including Art Gallery Cave or Museum Cave.
How to Reach: The nearest airport from Batu caves is Kuala Lumpur Airport. This airport is 73 km from Batu caves. After that, you can take a cab or taxi from the airport to reach Batu Caves. It will take you around three hours to reach.
Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM
2. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
It is one of the most visited temples in Kuala Lumpur. Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a favorite temple among both worshippers and tourists. K. Thamboosamy Pillai built the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in 1873.
However, it was only open to the public in 1920. The original structure survived the elements and was rebuilt in 1968. The Sri Mahamariamman temple has more than 100 years of history. The temple’s most striking feature is its structure, which looks like a human body.
It has its head facing west and its feet facing east. Five tiers tall, the gopuram (monumental tower) is 75 feet high and symbolizes the feet. Each tier has a magnificent gateway, decorated with 228 Hindu deities. They are all sculpted in the style of south India. The inner sanctum, which faces east, houses Sri MahaMariamman as the chief deity.
How to Reach: Kuala Lumpur has a reliable public transport network that can take you from the City Centre to the temple. This temple is 1.2km via Jalan Tun Perak Road. The drive to the temple takes approximately 10 minutes.
Timing: 6 AM-8:30 PM
3. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman glass temple is Malaysia’s first Hindu glass temple. It is also listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the only and original glass temple in Malaysia. The temple is beautifully decorated with more than 300,000 colorful glass pieces.
Its floors, pillars, and walls are covered in red, yellow, green, and purple glass. Large crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and reflect light onto the glass to create a fantastic effect. Over 1,500 devotees can be accommodated in the fully air-conditioned temple.
The temple is worth visiting, regardless of whether you are an architect enthusiast or a spiritual seeker. The Glass Temple’s many murals and sculptures convey the message that unity is possible through social harmony. This temple’s centerpiece has a lotus with Lord Shiva sitting upon it.
It is worshipped daily by devotees who pour rosewater on it. Ten gold-finished sculptures on the temple’s roof depict the cycle of life, from youth to adulthood to maturity and death.
Although the temple is known for being a Hindu Temple, it also houses 10 standing white marble statues, including Gautam Buddha and Guru Nanak Dev and Sai Baba, Jesus Christ, and Mother Teresa.
How to Reach: The temple is located at 22 Lorong 1, Johor Bahru. It is within walking distance from the center of Johor Bahru. You can rent a taxi from Johor Bahru to get to the temple. You can also take a public shuttle bus or KTM train to Johor Bahru’s Wadi Hana train and bus stations. After that, you will need to hire a taxi from there.
Timing: 7am-10pm
4. Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple dates back to 1827 when it was called Mariamman Kovil or Kling Chapel. It was constructed by immigrants from South India’s Nagapatnam-Cuddalore areas. It is dedicated to Mariamman, a well-known goddess, to heal illnesses and other diseases.
The majority of the structure, now a national monument, is believed to have been constructed by Indian craftsmen between 1862 and 1863. The temple served as a holy place of worship and was also used for community activities during colonial times.
The Registry of Marriages of Hindus was the only authorized place to solemnize Hindu weddings at that time. It has been renovated numerous times, the most recent in 2010. The restoration involved a team consisting of 20 Indian artists.
It included repainting all stone sculptures and, in contrast, visiting close to pay attention to the intricate detailing and ornate details on the temple’s exterior and interior.
For generations, the majestic gopuram has been a landmark for both Hindu worshippers as well as Singaporeans. The six tiers of the tower are covered in sculptures depicting mythological and deities.
How to Reach: You can easily reach to temple by bus routes 61,166, and 197. After that, you can take a private taxi to take you directly to the temple.
Timing: 6 AM-8:30 PM
5. Temple Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si is one of Penang’s most famous Buddhist temples. It is located in Malaysia. It is frequently visited by pilgrims from many Southeast Asian countries and other countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, and others.
The temple’s main attraction is the seven-storied Pagoda Rama VI, which houses 10,000 alabaster and bronze Buddha statues. The bronze statue measuring 30.2m tall of Kuan Yin is another highlight of Kek Lok Si.
Below Lean is the chief monk of Kuan Yin, which began construction on this temple in 1890. Below Lean completed it in 1930. Five Chinese businessmen from Penang funded the construction of this iconic landmark.
The temple includes monasteries and prayer halls, as well as temples and gardens. The temple is known for its magnificent images of Buddha and beautiful spiritual carvings and sculptures. It also has excellent paintings on the exterior and interior of the temple walls.
How to Reach: Penang International Airport is the closest airport to Kek Lok Si Temple. The airport has excellent connections to major cities around the world. The distance between Kek Lok Si airport and the temple is approximately 16 km.
There are bus services that run daily from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. They take between 5 and 6 hours to cover a distance of 358 km. Puduraya Bus Station is the closest bus station in Kuala Lumpur. The bus runs till that Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Penang. From there, it is a short walk to Kek Lok Si.
Timing: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
6. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
If you’re looking for the best place to worship or a way to experience the beauty of a Buddhist temple, then you should visit this temple. It is one of the few Burmese Buddhist Temples that are in Malaysia.
It is a peaceful spot that allows people to reflect on their lives and experience the Burmese Buddhist culture. This should not be confused with a Thai Buddhist temple, as there are many differences between the practices and beliefs of Burmese Buddhists.
The temple’s statues are most often based on the various branches of Buddhism in several countries. The temple’s surroundings are tranquil and peaceful, with a beautifully landscaped garden and a tall bell tower.
You can walk over the bridge to the small fish pond and take in the magnificent views from the third-floor balcony of the golden bell Tower.
How to Reach: From the center of Georgetown, you can take the RapidPG bus to get to the temple. Although every taxi driver knows the area, you will not get any difficulties reaching the temple.
Timing: 7 AM-6 PM
7. Kuan Yin Temple
Kuan Yin Temple was built in 1880. It is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. It is also known as Guanyin Temple and is located just across Jalan Stadium in Chinatown. The temple is a mixture of European and Chinese baroque architectures.
Also, it is one of the most colorful shrines in the city. It is located across the street from Kuala Lumpur’s and Selangor’s Chinese Assembly Hall. Although the temple isn’t as grand as other ones in the city, it is worth visiting the three golden Chinese Buddhist statues.
The temple displays typical Chinese architecture with dragon carvings on stone pillars, ceramic sculptures depicting dragons, and high-rise ceilings. Two wells are located on the temple grounds and are open to the public.
How to Reach: It is easily reachable by tourists because it is near the Masjid Jamek LRT Station.
Timing: 7 AM-5 PM
8. Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur’s oldest temple. The temple was built by the Hainanese community of KL in 1894. It is situated in the southwest corner of the city. It is also one of the most important temples in Southeast Asia.
It attracts many tourists and is a significant tourist attraction. It is a serene, tranquil temple with many hidden wonders. It is also known as a six-tiered Buddhist temple. This temple is also known as the Temple of Goddess or heaven of Kuala Lumpur.
The temple is home to Tian Hou, a sacred goddess who protects fishers and those living nearby. You can also see the statue of Guhan Yin in the temple, which is the goddess of mercy. People visit this shrine daily to offer prayers. There are many Buddha images and modern Buddhist pagodas in the octagonal hall.
The statue of Tian Hou is located among the goddess at the Waterfront and Goddess of Mercy. The temple also displays multi-religious principles, structures, and designs.
You can see statues of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The temple has a freshwater well and a tortoise pool. It also features a Chinese medicinal herb garden. The temple also has a sacred Bodhi tree, where you can meditate.
How to Reach: The best way to get it is to take a taxi. You can save money on taxi fares by taking the KTM train to Mid Valley station or the LRT to Bangsar Station. You can then hire a taxi to travel the 2-3km distance to Thean Hou Temple.
Timing: 8 AM-10 PM
9. Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is also known as Leong San Tong. Khoo Kongsi and is the largest clan temple-cum house of the Hokkien family. The clan temple complex is a significant tourist attraction.
It sits in a granite-paved square that houses a 19th-century rowhouse, an original association building, and a traditional theatre. The grand majestic Khoo Kongsi clan home had to be demolished and rebuilt from scratch.
However, the newer version is equally lavish and continues to charm visitors from around the globe. It is truly an architectural marvel, with its intricate carvings and ornamental sculptures.
The historic Chinese Opera, which is performed annually during the Chinese New Year, adds to the beauty of the surrounding area. It became the most prominent Penang clan within a short time. To reunite clan men and pay respect to their ancestors, they needed a “Clan House”.
How to Reach: Keep an eye out for buses CAT, 301-303, 302, 303, and 401. These buses have endpoints in Kampung Kolam. From Kampung Kolam, it is walking distance of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
10. Penang Snake Temple
Penang Snake Temple is just 2 miles from Penang Island’s airport. This beautiful place of worship is filled with live pit vipers. It was built in the middle of the 19th century in honour of Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk who helped heal people during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
Legend says that Chor Soo Kong offered refuge to jungle snakes during his lifetime. It is believed that snakes started showing up at the temple in their honour after it was built.
The Penang Snake Temple is a Chinese temple that was built in memory of Chor Soo Kong. This magical temple is located in Bayan Lepas, Southwest Penang. It is the only place where you can see the venomous snakes up from close and enjoy the live experience.
Penang’s Snake Temple has many notable attractions, including a giant incense burner whose incense is spread throughout the main prayer hall. This incense causes the snakes to fall asleep and prevents them from approaching visitors.
How to Reach: You can take a taxi or use the shuttle bus to get to the temple, about 25 minutes from downtown Penang.
Timing: 6 AM-7 PM
Conclusion
The above are the most beautiful & top Hindu temples in Malaysia. The most beautiful aspect of Hindu temples in Malaysia is the colorful costumes of the devotees who pray to their gods. In the recent past, the Islamic community has primarily come to the forefront in public life. The practice of the Hinduism faith in public life is gradually gaining ground in Malaysia.
Also, read the list of Popular Hindu Temples in India:
