PHT Newsletter Issue 94

Site Visit Report
Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple

Text by Francis H'ng
Images by Francis H'ng & Timothy Tye

Some 28 PHT members and friends joined the site visit to the Nakkukotai Chettiar Temple on Waterfall Road on Sunday, 27th April.

This temple was built by early Indian settlers of the Chetty community, who are still today the well known moneylenders of Penang. Construction began in 1850 and was completed four years later. The temple was built carefully and meticulously according to the dictates of Hindu myth and legends -- Vaastu Shastra, a Hindu form of astrology (like Feng Shui).

The carefully preserved illustrated panels on the ceiling tell stories from Hindu legends depicting battles between gods, kings and demons. It was amazing to learn that these paintings were not done using chemical paints but dyes from herbs and spices that have survived over 150 years!

The temple's wooden beams and pillars are of teak which have supported the building for more than 150 years and are still standing strong. As dictated by Vaastu Shastra, there are odd numbers of pillars.

The temple still plays a crucial role in the life of the Hindu community in Penang. The highlight of the temple's activities is the annual Thaipusam festival during which the Silver Chariot makes its annual journey from Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Queen Street and is kept at the Nakkukotai Chettiar Temple before returning home.

Dedicated to Lord Murugam, the statue housed at the main hall was brought in by early Indian settlers in bare form except for a loin cloth. This symbolizes the history of the early Indian immigrants who left everything to seek their fortune in Malaya. Thus, they brought a naked form of Murugam to represent their own condition. Originally enshrined at Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Queen Street, it was moved when the community decided to build this temple to cater to the growing community. (Editor's Note: It was interesting to observe that Indian Hindus are not the only devotees of this shrine to Lord Murugam. During our visit, several Chinese families were seen praying at the shrine.)

The temple is open daily from 7 a.m. to 12 noon and from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.