Penang Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple- Malaysia

Address

Penang Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple- No: 7 Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Deity

Sri Balathandayuthapani

Introduction

• The Balathandayuthapani Temple, also known as the Waterfall Hill Temple or “Thaneer Malai,” is located in George Town, Penang.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and devotees must climb 513 stairs to reach it.
• It is the focal point of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia, second only to Batu Caves.
• With its 21.6m-tall, seven-storey gopuram (main tower), it is considered the largest Lord Murugan temple outside India.

Puranic Significance

• The temple features a gopuram inspired by the Chola and Pallava kingdoms, constructed by South Indian artisans.
• The temple complex includes a 21.6m-tall gateway and an 8.23m-tall statue of Lord Shiva at the hill’s base.
• The temple was built to replace the older temple, which had been used since 1850 but had become too small for the growing number of devotees.
• The new temple was designed following consultations with agamic experts and the blessing of Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji.
• It took nearly a decade to complete and cost RM10 million, crafted by an Indian architect and a team of 19 artisans over four years.
• The previous Lord Murugan temple, built in 1850, is located halfway up the hill and served as the main Thaipusam venue until 2012.

Special Features

• The temple’s seven-storey gopuram is a prominent landmark on the hilltop.
• Visitors must climb 513 steps to reach the temple, with a separate flight of stairs for descent to reduce congestion during peak times, such as the Thaipusam festival.
• The temple is equipped with a RM3 million golden chariot, introduced during Thaipusam in 2017, adorned with golden horses and statues, and pulled by devotees.
• The temple complex also includes sculptures, smaller temples, a koi pond, and a mini aviary with peacocks and birds.

Festivals

• Major festivals celebrated at the temple include:
  • Thaipusam
  • Chitra Pournami
  • Kantha Sasti
  • Peria Karthigai
  • Aadi Pournami

Century/Period/Age

1850

Managed By

Hindu Community & Cultural Center (HCCC) – Malaysia

Nearest Bus Station

Penang Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple

Nearest Railway Station

Kuala

Nearest Airport

Penang

lightuptemple