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Penang Hill Hindu Temple

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Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan, or better known as the Penang Hill Hindu Temple, is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. It started off in the 1800's as a small shrine to the Hindu deity Murugan - the deity associated with Thaipusam - by the Indian sepoys and sedan chair carriers, and is located at a mount within Penang Hill called Gun Hill. A trident, or Murugan Vel, was installed there by the devotees. Over the years, it was enlarged and rebuilt. The present-day incarnation of the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is a very ornate Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style of South India.

The Dravidian style of constructing Hindu temples calls for four principal parts. The temple proper, or vimana, is the shrine with a tower, a mandapa, or porch, gopurams, or gate towers, and chawadis, or pillar halls. In addition, there would usually be a tank of water for use in sacred rituals or for cleansing.

Getting there

At time of writing (September 2008) the Penang Hill funicular train is again out of operation. Until the hill train is in operation again, the only two ways to reach Bellevue Hotel is by either jeep or by hiking. Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is located at Gun Hill, a small hillock in Penang Hill.

What to see and do

The sculptures on the gopuram and vimana are exquisitely ornate and colorful. Photography enthusiasts should enjoy capturing every small detail of the temple. From the location of this temple, one can get good views of the surroundings.

Nearby Sights

The following are some of the places you can explore in Penang Hill, arranged in alphabetical order.

  • Bel Retiro: The most prestigious property on Penang Hill
  • Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel: Only functioning hotel on Penang Hill
  • Convalescent Bungalow: One of the oldest rest houses on Penang Hill
  • Penang Hill Canopy Walk: Abandoned walkway suspended among the trees
  • Penang Hill Hindu Temple: Temple to Lord Murugan
  • Penang Hill Mosque: Local mosque for the Muslim community on Penang Hill
  • Penang Hill Railway: Hill train taking visitors up the hill
  • Richmond: Rest house belonging to the Municipal Council of Penang Island
  • Strawberry Hill / David Brown's Cottage: Hillock near the Penang Hill Railway, where plantation owner David Brown built a cottage
  • The Great Wall: Hill retreat on Penang Hill built by Khoo Sian Ewe

    • Visiting Penang

    If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!


    Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple (5 March 2005)


    Another view of the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple (5 March 2005)


    Close-up of the sculptures on the temple (5 March 2005)


    More sculptures at the Penang Hill Hindu Temple (5 March 2005)



    Click for list of Penang Hindu Temples






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    Tim's Travel Tips and globe logo are trademark and service mark of Timothy Tye. Copyright © 2008-2010 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.
    Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms.