The Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple is a South Indian Hindu temple in Seberang Jaya, Penang. It is noted for its rajagopuram, or main sculpture tower. Standing at a height of 72 ft, the rajagopuram is the tallest and biggest in Malaysia. Even the entrance of the rajagopuram, at 21 ft tall and 11 ft wide, is also the biggest in Malaysia.
The rajagopuram of Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple.
The Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple, as with many Hindu temples in Malaysia, had its humble origin over a hundred years ago as an estate temple catering to the needs of the estate workers living in the Paduma Estate in Perai. The area where the estate was located was turned into the new township of Seberang Jaya in the 1970's, resulting in the removal of two temples located in the area. Nevertheless, in response to the urging of the residents, the Penang State Government granted a piece of land for the building of a new Hindu temple.
Work on the new temple began in 1996. Dato Seri S. Samy Velu, the Minister of Works, laid the foundation stone of the temple on 16 February 1997. The temple was completed at the cost of RM2.3 million, and dedicated to the Hindu deity Arulmigu Karumariamman, a mother deity among the rural South Indians.
If you're coming from the Penang Bridge, exit the North South Expressway (E1) at the Seberang Jaya Interchange (Exit 163), and enter the Butterworth Kulim Expressway (BKE @ E15) in the direction of Butterworth. After the Petronas Petrol Station, turn left into Jalan Todak. Pass Sunway Business Park on your right. Further down, you arrive at the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple on your right. The Penang Bird Park is immediately after the temple.
Arulmigu Karumariamman Photo Album
The Raja Gopuram of the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple.
Compound of the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple.
Sculpture of a dancer at the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple.
Close up view of mango leaves tied at the entrance.
Ornate sculptures adorn the temple.
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