Kingsley Hills Kaliamman Temple
Putra Heights, Subang Jaya Selangor
(Bukit Cermin Temple)
Part 1
Part 2
Locals called the hill Bukit Cermin, or Kannadi Malai (in Tamil) and the early settlers of Taman Alam Megah fondly adopted that name as they were proud to have a green lung in the middle of otherwise a barren landscape newly cleared for development and the subsequent sprouting of industries along with its pollution.
Locals who once tapped rubber in the vast rubber estates which covered modern day Alam Megah and Putra Heights speak of their challenging experiences namely those which involved the trail up Bukit Cermin. They started their journey near the foothill where the old Alam Megah Temple stood and ended it at the top of Bukit Cermin where the Kaliamman Temple is located. Both these temples were a symbol of hope and guidance for those brave men and women who worked in the early hours of the day with no navigation tools to lead them or protection against wild animals.
The 3 temple wells of the old Alam Megah Muthu Mariamman TempleTemple
Bukit Cermin in the background
(the journey started here)
This journey tested both faith and endurance and temples played an important role in providing them with a sense of security.There are even colonial era stories of people getting lost atop Bukit Cermin but folktales or true stories, we may never know. However, one thing is certain; they were always fearful of their safety especially when ascending and descending this legendary hill.
The location of the old Taman Alam Megah Temple
The journey from the old Alam Megah Muthu Mariamman temple to the Kannadi Malai(Bukit Cermin) Kaliamman Temple
The old Alam Megah Muthu Mariamman temple was demolished for the expansion of Persiaran Klang and relocated to its present site.This spot is at the junction of Persiaran Klang next to two natural water sources (covered in blue concrete slabs) which can still be seen today. This was the temple's main water source for abishegam and prayers.
In recent times Bukit Cermin came to be known as Putra Heights or the hill in Putra Heights but the most recent reference is Kingsley Hills. Part of Bukit Cermin in Putra Heights, in the municipality of Subang Jaya, will soon be Kingsley Hills.
This 96-acre mixed development will consist of High-end bungalows, apartments and even an International School.The developers have assured that the hill is being developed against a backdrop of forested greenery which is non-existent at the moment. It is possible that the hill will be re-landscaped with new greenery; returning the trees upon the completion of development. However the status and future of the colonial era Kaaliamman Temple still remains uncertain, perhaps even bleak,going by the history or track record of preserving heritage sites especially temples in our country.
BEFORE
NOW
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