Map below shows the location of the Nagore Shrine and a suggested walking route from the Weld Quay Bus Terminal.
Nagore Durgha Sheriff is a shrine to a Muslim saint. It was built in the early 1800s, at about the same time as the Kapitan Keling Mosque nearby. It is the oldest Indian Muslim shrines in Penang, and is located along Chulia Street. The name Chulia denotes the people from the Coromandel Coast of South India who are Muslim merchants and moneylenders. I photographed the Nagore Durgha Shrine as part of the documentation of heritage sites in Penang for Penang Travel Tips and AsiaExplorers.
The Nagore Durgha Shrine commemorates Syed Shahul Hamid, a 13th century Muslim Saint of Nagore. In Nagore, there's a religious complex dedicated to him. This shrine in Penang is just one of many similar durghas that have been built in the Saint's memory across southern Asia, and is similar to the Nagore Durgha Shrine in Singapore (see picture below). It has stood on the original section of Chulia Street from the time of Francis Light.
The Nagore Durgha Shrine in Penang is well-kept and painted a brilliant white, making it stand out on clear days. On its side wall is a sort of arcade for a shop. There used to be a well attached to the shrine on the King Street side.
Getting there
Using the Weld Quay Bus Terminal as starting point, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge. Turn left and walk along Pengkalan Weld until the junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right into Gat Lebuh Chulia. Walk along Gat Lebuh Chulia. At the junction with Lebuh Pantai, Gat Lebuh Chulia becomes Lebuh Chulia. Continue along Lebuh Chulia until you reach the Nagore Shrine, at the junction of Lebuh King.
What to see and do
Though small, the Nagore Shrine is one of just a few remaining examples of early 19th century South Indian Muslim architecture.
Nearby Sights
The Nagore Shrine is located within the core zone of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. There are numerous sights around it that you can also visit. Their location is reference to the shrine. Among them:
Teochew Ancestral Temple: From Nagore Shrine entrance, turn right and head down Lebuh Chulia, The Teochew Ancestral Temple is on the left side of Lebuh Chulia, in front of the junction with Lebuh Queen.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple: From Nagore Shrine entrance, turn right and head down Lebuh Chulia. At the junction of Lebuh Queen, turn right. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is on the left side of Lebuh Queen.
Masjid Kapitan Keling: From Nagore Shrine entrance, turn right and go down Lebuh Chulia until the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Cross Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and then turn left, walk along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. You will see Masjid Kapitan Keling on your right.
Lim Kongsi: Cross Lebuh Chulia and enter Loring Pitt. Go straight down Lorong Pitt and you will arrive at Lim Kongsi at the far end, at Lebuh Ah Quee. Take note that it is locked most of the time.
Madrasah Hamid Arabi: Cross Lebuh Chulia and enter Loring Pitt. Go straight down Lorong Pitt and you will see Lim Kongsi at the far end, at Lebuh Ah Quee. To the right side of Lim Kongsi is Madrasah Hamid Arabi.
Nagore Shrine Photo Gallery
Nagore Durgha Sheriff, aka the Nagore Shrine, at the junction of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh King (14 March, 2004).
Nagore Shrine, as seen from Lebuh Chulia (4 July, 2004).
An evening at the songkok stall at Nagore Shrine (27 July, 2008).
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