Penang Hill Hindu Temple

Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is a temple dedicated to the God of War, Karthikeya or Murugan. He is usually identified by a spear and a blue peacock. Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva, one of the Trinities of supreme divinity. As with other temples of Karthikeya around the world, this Penang Hill temple too becomes the centre of activity during the famous Thaipusam Hindu festival. It marks the occasion when Goddess Parvati presents a spear to her son Murugan, in a symbolic act of blessing him with the powers to protect devas or the gods. Since then, Karthikeya is referred to as the commander of the army of gods.
Originally a makeshift structure for the early immigrants of 19th century, the current form is an impressive display of unique Indian design, coloured in pastel shades of blue, green and red. Notice the top of temple decorated with a spear, one of the key symbols of Lord Murugan, and the many small statues and idols of devas and asuras along the temple exteriors in the typically ornate style of Indian Dravidian architecture.

Tips: Many people plan to visit the temple during the Thaipusam festival, usually in the month of February, to witness the unique body piercings that devotees undergo. Situated on Penang Hill, plan to visit this site along with the places of interest listed in the Penang Hill, a day of cool retreat guide.