Malaysia, a nation celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, is also home to a vibrant Hindu community that has preserved and nurtured its religious traditions for generations. Scattered across the country are magnificent Hindu temples, each echoing the spiritual devotion, architectural brilliance, and cultural heritage of Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian diasporas. From the towering statue of Lord Murugan at Batu Caves to the ancient serenity of Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple in Melaka, these temples are more than places of worship—they are cultural landmarks that narrate stories of faith, migration, and community bonding. This blog takes you on a spiritual journey through 20 of the most revered Hindu temples in Malaysia.
1. Batu Caves
Batu Caves are a must-see in Malaysia, especially the history and culture. This 400 million-year-old temple has a stunning 42.7-meter golden monument to Lord Murugan. You’ll have to climb around 275 steps to reach the main cave. There are 4 main caves inside it: Temple Cave, Ramayana Cave, Cave Villa, and Dark Cave. This is adorned with magnificent Hindu figures and bright artwork. This temple celebrates the Thaipusam event yearly to pay tribute to Lord Murugan’s victory.
Deity: Lord Murugan
Timing: Everyday: 7 am – 9 pm
2. Sri Kandaswamy Kovil
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is a century-old Hindu temple. This temple, famous for its deep roots and cultural significance, is a must-see Murugan temple in Malaysia. You’ll be amazed by its South Indian culture in its architectural design, complete with intricate Hindu sculptures. One standout feature is the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial that beautifully crowns the temple.
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil follows the Saiva Agama Scriptures and hosts over 54 festivals annually. It’s famous for being one of the first Hindu temples in Malaysia to celebrate the Soora Samhara festival and one of the only two temples to honour the Kathirgama Kodiyetram festival. This temple also celebrates Thaipusam, and the procession starts from the Batu Caves.
Deity: Lord Murugan
Timing: 5:30 am – 1 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm
3. Sri Shakti Devasthanam
Sri Shakti Devasthanam in Malaysia is a unique wonder. It is the world’s first temple to worship all 51 Shakti Peethas, strong female goddesses in Hinduism. As you enter, you’ll spot 96 carved pillars, each conveying a tale about Hinduism’s core values. The temple’s architecture is a true masterpiece, crafted using a rare technique called thundu pattirippu pathroba pathiram, resulting in a stunning cashew-toned sandcastle-like structure.
Marvel at its five-tiered Rajagopuram entrance, standing 74 feet tall, a grand invitation to the divine within. This temple was designed by skilled artisans from Mahabalipuram, India. It blends the traditional Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Agamas into its very essence. A powerful temple in Malaysia, with a sanctum sanctorum built in eight phases, is adorned with 64 Sri Chakras and navaratnas, showcasing the temple’s meticulous craftsmanship. Sri Shakti Devasthanam is a colourful center of worship, hosting various festivals and rituals throughout the year, including Maha Lakshmi Ganapathy Homam, Navarathri, Kanda Shasti, and many more.
Deity: Shakti
Timing: 7 am – 12 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm
4. Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple
Looking for a divine experience in Klang, Malaysia? Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple is the best, and it is also called Klang Perumal Temple! This ancient Hindu temple has stood for 134 years and is known as the “Thirupathi of Southeast Asia.” Rebuilt in 2015, it features granite architecture. It is Malaysia’s largest Vaishnavite temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu, and has a magnificent Gopuram decorated with deity statues.
The Perumal Sannathi houses beautiful sculptures of Lord Perumal and Goddess Mahalakshmi. Discover statues of Lord Shiva, Anjaneya, and Nagaraja. Never miss the annual Purattasi festival, a grand celebration of Lord Perumal, and other colorful festivals throughout the year.
Deity: Lord Vishnu
Timing: Monday – Friday: 6 am – 12 pm, 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 5 am – 12:30 pm, 6 pm – 10 pm
5. Sri Ayyanar Hindu Temple
Sri Ayyanar Hindu Temple in Malaysia is set in an oil palm area with an outstanding 72-foot-tall Ayyanar statue. This temple offers various ordination (archanai) services, including sacred ash (vibuthi), sandalwood powder (santhanam), incense sticks (agarbatti), and benzoin resin (sambrani).
This Ayyanar temple is dedicated to the Ayyanar deity, Jada Muniswaran, Kaliamman, Nagamma, and Mariamman, and includes a garden in honour of Makkal Thilagam MGR. The atmosphere is beautiful, and a peacock cage with a unique white crow completes the picture.
Deity: Ayyanar
Timing: 7 am – 11 am, 5 pm – 8:30 pm
6. Maha Parasakthi Patchaiamman Kathirvel Murugan Temple
This temple stands in divine and architectural grandeur in Malaysia. The structure contains two main shrines, with the Murugan temple conveniently positioned just 50 meters from the Pachaiamman temple. One unique thing about this temple is the rare God Yeman statue, which you won’t see in many other Hindu temples in Malaysia.
The Pachaiamman statue is 72 ft. in height. Inside the Murugan temple, there’s a peaceful meditation area. You will see the statues of Icha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi, and Giriya Sakthi. Deity: Parasakthi and Murugan
Timing: Monday – Thursday: 7 am – 1 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm
Friday – Sunday: 7 am – 9 pm
7. Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple
Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple is in Jalan Tukang Emas, also known as “Harmony Street” due to its proximity to other religious buildings. This is Malaysia’s oldest Hindu temple, dating back to 1781.
The temple’s architecture includes three centuries-old wooden rathams, adding to its cultural significance. Dedicated to Vinayagar (Ganesha), it also includes an altar to Lord Muruga, providing a peaceful sanctuary for tourists seeking spiritual relief.
Deity: Ganesha
Opening Hours: 7 am – 11:30 am, 6 pm – 9 pm
8. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Located in Johor Bahru, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples, decorated with 300,000 mosaic glass pieces. The crystal lights glow brightly inside, reflecting off doors, pillars, and walls.
The temple houses the Athma Lingam sanctuary, where devotees can pray and drink rose water. It’s also unique for having 300,000 Mukhi Rudraksha beads from Nepal.
Deity: Kaliamman
Timing: 7 am – 12 pm, 7 pm – 10 pm
9. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Also known as Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple, Sri Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Mariamman Temple, or Queen Street Indian Temple, this temple in Penang has stood tall for almost two centuries.
The temple reflects South Indian Dravidian architecture with its 23.5-foot gopuram, adorned with colorful sculptures of deities, floral motifs, and topped with five small kalasams. It houses 38 statues of Gods and Goddesses and 4 swans symbolizing various forms of Goddess Mahamariamman.
Deity: Mariamman
Timing: 8 am – 12 pm, 5 pm – 9:05 pm
10. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
Known as the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, this is a Hindu spiritual icon in George Town, Penang. This tallest Lord Murugan temple in Malaysia has a seven-story, 21.6-meter-tall gopuram. Devotees climb nearly 500 steps to reach this revered spot.
The temple showcases Chola and Pallava dynasty architecture, designed by South Indian artisans. It features a cultural center and six tall pillars representing the six major Murugan temples.
Deity: Murugan
Timing: 6 am – 12 pm, 4:30 pm – 9 pm
11. Nagarathar Sivan Temple
This 200-year-old Lord Shiva temple in Malaysia is cherished by the Nagarathar Chettiars group. It features a five-tier tower and separate entrances for Shiva and Shakti.
Sculptures include Ganesha under a tree, Shiva Lingam in a pond, and other deities like Sri Subramaniyar, Sri Annamalaiyar, and Nadarajar. Popular festivals include Pradosham and Chitra Pournami.
Deity: Lord Shiva
Timing: 6 am – 12 pm, 6 pm – 9 pm
12. Sri Kunj Bihari Mandir
Located in George Town, Penang, Sri Kunj Bihari Temple is the oldest Vaishnava temple in the state. Built in 1835, it is dedicated to Krishna as Kunj Bihari and Radha.
Funded by Hindus from Bihar, it now serves the Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Marwari, and Sindhi communities in Penang.
Deity: Lord Krishna and Radha.
Timing: 7 am - 12 pm, 5:30 pm - 8 pm
13. Kallumalai Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Temple (Ipoh)
Consecrated in 1932, this temple hosts grand Thaipusam celebrations. The temple attracts even non-Indian devotees who come to offer Kavadi.
Deity: Lord Murugan
Timing: 4 am - 12 pm, 4:30 pm - 9 pm
14. Ayyappan Swamy Devasthanam, Batu Caves
Located near Batu Caves, this temple is a renowned sanctuary dedicated to Lord Ayyappan. It draws thousands of devotees, especially between November and January, when they wear Maalai for pilgrimage.
Deity: Lord Ayyappan
Timing: 6 am - 12 pm, 7 pm - 9 pm
15. Sri Muniswarar Temple, Prai
Located in Taman Supreme, Prai, near Jalan Baru, the Sri Muniswarar Temple features Dravidian-style architecture with a rajagopuram and a mandapa. A banyan tree at the entrance holds devotees’ wishes tied in colored cloth.
Deity: Muniswarar
