Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Welcome to the oldest Hindu temple of Penang! Formally known as Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple, this 19th century place of worship is dedicated to the powerful mother, an incarnation signifying Mother Earth. The temple’s barricaded entrance, with its typically Indian Dravidian style facade creates a colourful landmark in the midst of a busy George Town street.
Mahamariamman is revered as the goddess of health and protection and is believed to possess enormous destructive power to help her devotees during troubled times. Legend has it that Goddess Mahamariamman fought a pitched battle, stretching over nine days, against demon king Mahishasuran and defeated him. To mark this event, devotees celebrate the festival of Navaratri with zeal. The temple observes special rituals and pujas during this time. The powerful Mother is considered to be a manifestation of Goddess Parvati from the Hindu pantheon, known to be the mother of Lord Muruguan or Karthikeya, the God of War. As such, during Thaipusam, the biggest of Hindu festivals in Malaysia dedicated to Karthikeya, Sri Mahamariamman Temple also witnesses hordes of devotees.

Tips: This temple is popularly referred to as Amman Temple, so when seeking directions, use this more common name. It is situated on Queen Street with an alternate entrance on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, home to the majestic mosque and a Buddhist temple.