Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, a riot of colour and intricate craftsmanship in the heart of the city's Chinatown, near bustling Petaling Street. Its most striking feature is the towering 'raja gopuram' (the ornate entrance tower) above the main gate, densely covered with brightly painted sculptures of Hindu deities and mythological figures, a dazzling South Indian-style work of art. Inside, the temple is richly decorated, with shrines, intricate carvings, and ceilings adorned with imagery, all dedicated chiefly to the goddess Mariamman. The temple holds an ornate silver chariot used during the Thaipusam festival, when a grand procession sets off from here to the Batu Caves.

It's a vibrant, living place of worship and an easy, rewarding stop while exploring Chinatown. Remove your shoes before entering, dress modestly, and take in the extraordinary detail. Free to enter (small shoe-minding fee), it's a colourful contrast amid the surrounding shophouses and markets.

Don't miss

• The towering, sculpture-covered raja gopuram
• Kuala Lumpur's oldest Hindu temple
• Richly decorated South Indian-style interior
• The ornate silver Thaipusam chariot
• Its setting in the heart of Chinatown

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Cheapest way inKuala Lumpur Grand Full Day Guided Tour with 25 Attractions (SIC)4.9★ · 505 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$23 per personSee dates →Best full dayHistorical Malacca Guided Day Tour (Shared Tour)4.8★ · 2,669 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$32 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleFull Day Kuala Lumpur City 23 Attractions Tour4.9★ · 22 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$54 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Remove your shoes and dress modestly before entering.
• Look up at the gopuram tower, densely covered with painted deities.
• It's the start of the Thaipusam procession to Batu Caves.
• Combine it with Chinatown's Petaling Street market.

A bit of history

Founded in 1873, originally as a private shrine for an Indian family who later opened it to the public, Sri Maha Mariamman became Kuala Lumpur's principal Hindu temple. Its elaborate gopuram tower was added in the 1960s, and it serves as the starting point for the Thaipusam procession to Batu Caves.