Nagarathar Sivan Temple
33A Dato Kramat Road, 10150 Penang

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Nagarathar Sivan Temple is a South Indian temple dedivated to the Hindu deity Shiva. It is a temple of the Nagarathar, a caste of Chettiars who traces their roots to the ancient port city of Kaveripattinam, in present-day Puhar, in Tamil Nadu, India.

The Nagarathars are business people who practise Hinduism, building temples or "koil" dedicated to Shiva. The Nagarathar Sivan Temple is one such temple in Penang. It is considered a "male" temple. The main sanctuary, or garbagraham, has the image of Shiva in it. In a male temple, there is a separate entrance to a female deity, hence the shrine to Shiva's consort Shakti has its own entrance.

Nagarathar Sivan Temple (8 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

The Nagarathar Sivan Temple has an elaborate five-tier gopuram, or tower, with intricate sculptures of deities and beasts. These are brilliantly painted in many colors.

Getting there

Nagarathar Sivan Temple is located along Dato Kramat Road. From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk along Tek Soon Street to Penang Road. Cross Penang Road and turn left. Walk along Jalan Penang until you arrive at the Magazine Circus, and continue on Dato Kramat Road. You will eventually arrive at the Nagarathar Sivan Temple on your right, across the road from the Sri Kamatchi Amman Temple.