Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple
640A MK 16, Jalan Ayer Itam, 11500 Penang



         


Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple

Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. It was started as merely a small attap shrine in 1886, by the Hindu community of Ayer Itam, to worship the female deity Mariamman. The full name of this temple is Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam. In 1898, the first annual fire walking ceremony in Penang was held at the Maha Mariamman Temple. The shrine was improved to a temple in 1920, and the first Maha Kumbha Abishegam ceremony was performed in 1926.

Since 1939, the Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple hosts an annual chariot procession that passes through Air Itam, Kampung Baru, Rifle Range, Kampong Pisang and the Thean Teik estate now known as Farlim.

In 2002, the Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple began a project to completely renovate the temple. New entranceway and gopuram (temple towers) were erected, new sculptures were created by artisans. The project is estimated to cost RM700,000.

Getting there

Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple is located within walking distance of Air Itam town. Rapid Penang Bus U201, U203, U204, U206, T306 and U502 ply the route to Air Itam.

Nearby Sights

  • Kek Lok Si Temple
  • Ayer Itam Dam
  • Cheng Kon Sze Temple (Cheng Ji Chan)
  • Huat Huah Liam Temple
  • Beow Hiang Lim Temple


  • Acknowledgement
    Penang Travel Tips wish to thank Mr N. Letchumanansamy, PKT, PJK, PJM., chairman of the temple management committee for his assistance is providing information about the temple.

    Budget Accommodation in Penang

    Where to stay when in Penang? Well, it depends on what you are looking for and your threshold for "budgetness". The Penang Budget Accommodation Guide provides a selection of budget accommodation for you to look at. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood. It is operated by a friend of mine, Arthur, who has been in the hotel business for a few decades. I have visited it and found it to be a pretty decent place to stay, on a budget. But before you decide, go through the list of Penang hostels and check out their location before you book.

    Click for list of Penang Hindu Temples








    Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple (11 October 2008)
    © Timothy Tye

    Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple
    Location Map







    Another view of the Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple (11 October 2008)
    © Timothy Tye


    Gopuram of the Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple (11 October 2008)
    © Timothy Tye


    Newly completed sculptures at the Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple (11 October 2008)
    © Timothy Tye


    New entrance arch to the Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple (11 October 2008)
    © Timothy Tye


    Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple work in progress (11 October 2008)
    © Timothy Tye








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