Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Hindu temple in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a South Indian-style Hindu temple on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, entered through a 22.9 m five-tiered gopuram holding 228 idols sculpted under S. T. Muniappa of Tamil Nadu. The layout follows a body lying on its back: the gopuram is the feet, the east-facing garbagraham at the rear the head. Two white horses face forward above the dark doorway.
The temple began in 1873 as a private shrine and later became a public house of worship. This transformation during the 1920s established it as the religious center for the growing Hindu community.
Mariamman is worshipped as a protector of Tamils who travelled overseas, a role tied to the temple's origins among early Indian immigrants. At the entrance stands Pillaiyar, remover of obstacles, with Lord Muruga's shrine to the right; eight ashta Lakshmi figures adorn the interior pillars. Deepavali draws dense crowds of devotees.
The temple stands on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee beside Chinatown, with Bangunan Mariamman and its car parks behind it, next to Klang Bus Station and opposite Pasar Seni LRT/MRT station. Visitors remove their shoes and dress modestly before entering. The gopuram gate tower faces the street and marks the entrance.
During Thaipusam Festival, a 350-kilogram silver chariot is pulled through the streets to carry sacred statues. This vehicle was introduced in 1983 and creates a memorable sight during the celebrations.
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