Karak Shivan Alayam in Gombak, KL
Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry is threaded with sacred sites that drip with history. Among these cultural gems is a well-hidden Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur called Karak Shivan Alayam. The unique and ancient temple resides in the lush jungles of Gombak, next to a gently flowing stream. It also happens to be home to Malaysia’s tallest linga statue.
All you need to know about Karak Shivan Alayam
Image adapted from: @pradeep_zharma_official via Instagram, @iiam_yoha via Instagram
Along the verdant path of the old Karak road, Karak Shivan Alayam stands as one of Malaysia’s most ancient Hindu temples – it is said to boast over a thousand years of history.
The temple has become a sacred site for devotees as it’s home to the tallest Linga statue in the country. Soothing sounds from the nearby stream amplify the temple’s serene spiritual vibe, beckoning devotees from around Klang Valley to visit.
Though well-concealed in a jungle, apps like Waze or Google Maps are typically reliable in guiding you to the temple.
Like many temples, Karak Shivan Alayam carries its own mystical origins. According to local tales, it was founded by a resident siddhar, an enlightened Hindu guru, over a thousand years ago after he attained spiritual awakening through devotion to Lord Shiva.
There’s even a small shrine within the temple dedicated to the siddhar, Sri Thava Muniswara Siddhar.
There are three main areas of worship within the temple, each housing various Hindu deities. Devotees can honour Lord Ganapathy, Goddess Kali, and Lord Hanuman, each revered for their unique powers and blessings. The main deity of this temple, however, is none other than Lord Shiva, the mighty destroyer of evil and a prominent deity in the Hindu pantheon.
His revered linga statue sits gracefully in the central shrine right along the stream – but more on this later.
At the rear of the main worship area, you’ll discover the sacred bull Nandi with its prominent hump, horns, and a dewlap hanging from its neck. Devotees are commonly spotted whispering into the ears of this revered figure here.
For the uninitiated, Nandi is Lord Shiva’s sacred bull. According to Hindu tradition, Nandi passes along everything it hears to Shiva, acting as the channel through which the deity emerges from his deep meditation. Ever since, it has become a cherished custom for devotees to whisper their prayers into Nandi’s ears, trusting that their messages will be delivered straight to Lord Shiva.
Malaysia’s tallest linga statue representing Lord Shiva
As you make your way further into Karak Shivan Alayam, you’ll encounter a striking black linga statue, an emblem of Lord Shiva. In the temple’s early days, the linga was just a modest statue, but after a few renovations it has grown to become the tallest one in Malaysia – it stands tall at about 3 metres.
Take a closer look, and you’ll see that the cylindrical linga statue is perpetually drenched in a stream of sacred stream’s water.
Devotees will light incense and shower the linga statue with flower petals as an expression of their devotion. Some even go the extra mile, bottling up the sacred cascading water to take home, so they can carry a piece of this divine ritual with them.
Followers of the religion who revere the Lord Shiva often time their visits to coincide with Mahashivratri, the most significant celebration dedicated to the deity. During this annual Great Night of Shiva, the temple buzzes with activities as devotees from near and far converge to honour the deity.
There is an all-night vigil open to visitors, with prayer and chanting carried out to embody Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance and his essential role in the universe.
A well-hidden Hindu temple in Gombak
In a multicultural country like Malaysia where religion is diverse, many splendid places of worship exist – some more hidden than others. The Karak Shivan Temple is a prime example of this, which continues to captivate visitors from all walks of life and offer devotees a tranquil retreat from the city.
So, if you’re a history buff or on the hunt for a hidden gem, plan to visit this temple for a spiritual journey and to immerse yourself in Malaysia’s natural beauty.
At the entrance of Karak Shivan Alayam, devotees can purchase prayer items such as milk and flowers. Slippers and shoes must be removed before entering the temple halls, and it is recommended to dress modestly as a sign of respect to the deities.
Address: Batu 19, Route 68, Jalan Gombak Lama Hulu, 68100 Gombak, KL
Operating hours: 7am-11.30am & 6pm-9pm, Daily
Contact: 06-281 0693
For more temple reads in Malaysia, read:
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Yusintha.