Friday, June 28, 2013

Pasir Gudang Karumariamman Temple (The abode of Malaysia's one and only Garbaratchambikai)


Arulmugu Dewi Sri Maha Karumariamman Temple,
Jalan Patin 8,
Taman Tanjong Puteri Resort,
81700,Pasir Gudang,
Johor

(Malaysia's Garbaratchambikai Amman is also installed here)



Photos by
Suriya Varman for MalaysianTemples.com

 


This temple is famous for its 9ft tall Karumariamman and Garbaratchambikai ; the only Garbaratchambikai found in Malaysia. Garbaratchambikai is known to cure fertility problems and grant boons to people who can't conceive besides also assuring a smooth delivery.Another deity unique to this temple is the green faced Aathi Moolam Amman.

 




The Pasir Gudang Karumariamman Temple will be carrying out a 
Chandi Homam on the 7th of July.


 Special Thanks to :
Suriya Varman


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Railway Muniswaran Temple, Batu Tiga, Shah Alam


Railway Muniswaran Temple, 
Batu Tiga, Shah Alam

This temple appears to be the last surviving relic of the past. Surrounded by modern buildings and highways this enclave remains isolated and perhaps even hidden from view. Old abandoned pre-war shop lots share this forgotten space, not forgetting the railway station which has been upgraded over the years.

The temple is not clearly visible from the main road as the road has a higher elevation.However, the abandoned shop lots are clearly visible.The age of these buildings though unknown may be at least 60 years old preceding the founding of modern day Shah Alam.These buildings are most likely to be pre-war buildings but it remains mere speculation without proper verification.































Abandoned shop lots of a bygone era

Saturday, June 1, 2013

The Lost Village-Temple of Section 26, Shah Alam (The village behind TRIM)

The Lost Village-Temple of Section 26, Shah Alam

There is a story that needs to be uncovered. One which may be lost forever if not told.It is about a small village which once stood in modern day Section 26 which was formerly part of the Labuan Padang Estate.Although appearing to be part of section 26 since TRIM is located in Section 26,one may find this spot awkwardly located along Jalan Mandolin 33/5 the road next to TRIM which leads to Section 33 Shah Alam thus it's  unclear as to whether this land comes under the purview of Section 26 or 33.

It was a village famous for its unique Mariamman Temple which was held together by giant roots of banyan trees. The beginning of its end started in 1989 when a factory was built on a 32,373.79 square metre land a few metres from this village. It was one of the many hundreds which sprung up in the late 80s and 90s.This factory became operational in 1990 but the village remained although some had already started to migrate to the newly built housing estates nearby.

This tiny village came to be situated behind the newly built TRIM factory along Persiaran Klang and most people wouldn't have suspected that hidden behind this factory was an entire village complete with a temple of its own.It was a beautiful Malaysian heritage which was worth preserving as it was unique and looked like an ancient relic due to the the huge roots of old Banyan trees growing on its walls. The century or centuries old walls were held together by giant roots and it felt almost magical and ancient..Needless to say, this temple was also more than a 100 years old, probably hundreds of years old. Unfortunately this temple lost its battle and succumbed to the onslaught of development and the land where it once stood is now consumed by thick undergrowth leaving no clue or trace of its past.As for the last of villagers,they have all but disappeared into new townships and nothing much is heard of these days.

The only remaining proof of its existence is a small shrine along the road next to the site. The deity in this shrine may have been salvaged from the ruins of the demolished village. Nothing much is known of  this village so we are in search of more first hand accounts from those who have been there.Stories of this village and temple may be passed down orally but it's just a matter of time before all knowledge of its existence is lost forever.

We need more information about this Lost Village and Temple as it's an important heritage which should be documented and treasured. Please feel free to e-mail us with additional information such as the name of this village, photos or stories about it; preferably from those who have lived/been there. Unconfirmed reports suggest that it may have been called "Kulupetha Kampung" (the last inhabitants of a part of the Labuan Padang Estate) but we have not been able to verify it.


 The barren land where the village once stood is just across the monsoon drain.


 Remnants of the past


Overgrown with bushes



Latest photos of site

The land where the temple once stood appears to have been cleared recently.
 















Related links:

The history of Taman Alam Megah; The Temple story.

 

The history of the Klang Valley: When Temples speak!

 

Bukit Cermin (Putra Heights) Hilltop Colonial Era Temple

 

The 120 year old Maha Mariamman Temple, Seafield, USJ

 

Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam, Bandar Puchong Jaya