Dhoby Ghaut Temple
150 Jalan Air Itam, 10460 Penang

Dhoby Ghaut Temple (8 March 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Dhoby Ghaut Temple Location Map

Dhoby Ghaut Temple (8 March 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Dhoby Ghaut Temple, or known by its full name, Naduthurai Sri Devi Karumariamman Temple, is one of three Hindu temples within the Vannan Thora Tedal laundry district, between Jalan Ayer Itam and York Road. The Dhoby Ghaut Temple is located on the south bank of Sungai Air Terjun (Waterfall River), a short distance from the confluence with Sungai Pinang. It should not be confused with the bigger Sri Rama Temple located on the opposite side of Sungai Air Terjun.

The Dhoby Ghaut Temple is one of the Hindu temples erected by the dhobies, Indians involved in the laundry business. It was named after Dhoby Ghaut, the stretch of river where the laundry men built stone steps leading to water's edge. This particular temple is located right next to the river, and even today, the Indians are still conducting the laundry business. A visit to the temple takes one pass laundried bedsheets being dried in the lawn. The name "ghaut" refers to the stone steps leading down towards Sungai Air Terjun.

The main entrance of Dhoby Ghaut Temple faces Jalan Air Itam, through an entranceway flanked by houses of the Indian community. It can also be entered through an approach from York Road, near Masjid Jalan York.