Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple, Penang

Beautiful chettiar temple in Penang. Went on Thaipusam day, amazed with devotees & prayers to Lord of Murugan. A grand celebration in temple and glad to see that all visitor/prayers are disciplined line up to enter temple for prayer.

The Nattukottai Chettiar Temple also known as Arulmigu Sri Thandayuthapani Temple, is perhaps the most famous among the Hindu temples located in Penang, Malaysia. Dedicated to Lord Thandayuthapani, also known as Lord Murugan, it is commonly known as the Thanneermalai Temple. Located on Waterfall Road (Jalan Kebun Bunga), this Shaivite temple is the centre of the annual Thaipusam festival in Penang.

Being astute businessmen and moneylenders, Chettiars traditionally built temples that were hallmarks of quality. These temples are usually well managed and financially self sufficient. The temple was founded around 1854, after the Chettiar community in Penang Street, bought the piece of land to build the Chettiar quarters, or kittangi. Within the Chettiar quarters is the temple of Thandayuthapani, an incarnation of the deity Murugan. A point of interest is that the wooden superstructure and the pillars are all made of Burmese teak. There are hundreds of paintings depicting religious themes lining the recesses of the roof all round. The sanctum sanctorum faces the east. This temple was built in the “chokkattan” form (a layout shaped like the plus sign, designed by His Holiness Veerappa Swamigal of the Kovilur Mutt, Karaikudi,Tamil Nadu, India) and was consecrated on 12th December, 1857. Further consecration ceremonies were held on 2nd September,1928; 8th February, 1935; 28th January, 1955; 13th July, 1981, and 27th November, 1995.

It was the practice for the Nattukottai Chettiars, to build temples for the Lord Murugan wherever they settled. This was the case in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. They were advised by Sivachariars not to build any Sivan Temples as certain rituals had to be observed and since the Brahmin Sivachariars who would perform these rituals were prohibited, by tradition, from crossing the seas. So the Chettiar were advised to establish Lord Murugan Temples where non-Brahmin priests, the pandarams, could be employed as priests.

It is the first Chettiar Temple in Penang, nice to see great ancient architecture culture. Built by the Cheetiar community around 1854.

A temple with unique architectural features. Serene and tranquil environment. Spacious. An apt refuge for devotion, prayer and meditation on the Almighty in the form of Lord Thendayuthapani (Murugan). Vetrivel Muruganukku Arohara! Om.

Historical and splendid. All the more amazing with thousands of devotees visiting on annual Thaipusam day and parade of the famous Silver chariot.

Have walked past this temple on previous visits but had never been inside. Today we were here for a wedding and got to see everyone inside, including the white peacocks out the back

The temple structure is looking so good. There's another temple Infront of this temple. Walking distance. Have place for parking.

Attended a friend's wedding. Such a classic chettiar styled temple with spacious surrounding.

Peaceful place. Design and paintings are very classic.

Beautiful temple with intricate architecture, marvelous paintings and decorations. Clean and spacious. Limited roadside parking available, or you can park at the Youth Park parking lot and walk over. Wheelchair access available. No shoes allowed. Taps available inside to wash your hands and feet. Toilets could be cleaner.

Huge and clean place. Nice place to pray

Its a holy place with high positive vibration.

Beautiful temple. Full of Raja Ravivarma painting.peaceful place. Attended wedding.

Traditional quiet temple, keeping the culture architecture

Every Saturday I will go this temple and that day's was Aadi Kritigai and done Paal Abishagam for lord Murugan.🙏

Among the most famous temple in Penang. Very peaceful temple.

Very peaceful and pleasant temple

After my friend’s wedding they have banned any dhool within temple area. No speakers also allowed within the area. If you all interested, I can let you all know who my friend is.

Beautiful heritage building of the Chettiars. The solid materials used in building and multiple rooms and facilities in the building itself convenient for wedding and Indian functions. Loved it

One of the must visit Hindu temple.