Sri Mangala Chamundi Temple in Bahau
Tucked away along Jalan Gemas Kemayan in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, Sri Mangala Chamundi Temple is a serene sanctuary that appears to have been plucked straight from the landscapes of Kerala, India. With its carved wooden facades and traditional South Indian design, the temple sits quietly amid sweeping rubber estates, offering a tranquil escape with postcard-worthy views.
A Kerala-style temple with wooden craftsmanship
The temple’s unique architecture sets it apart from most Hindu temples you’ll encounter in Malaysia.
Built in the style of traditional Kerala temples, Sri Mangala Chamundi Temple features high-pitched roofs and ornately carved wooden panels welcoming visitors into a space of calm and devotion. Step closer, and you’ll notice the attention to detail – intricate woodwork, shrines dedicated to Hindu deities, and a gentle stillness that lingers in the air.
The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundi Amman, a fierce and protective form of the goddess Durga, revered for her power to vanquish evil and safeguard her devotees. In Hindu belief, Chamundi symbolises both spiritual strength and maternal protection, making her especially significant for those seeking courage, healing, and blessings.
A spiritual space built by the local Malayalee community
Sri Mangala Chamundi Temple is maintained by Negeri Sembilan’s Malayalee Hindu community, who’ve worked to preserve the temple’s South Indian roots while weaving it into the fabric of local heritage.
Here, you’ll find rituals and practices carried out with deep care – a continuation of traditions passed down through generations and cultural ties of their homeland, while blending into local heritage life.
One of the most anticipated celebrations at the temple is the annual Navaratri festival, held over nine nights to honour the goddess in her many forms. During this time, the temple comes alive with vibrant decorations, devotional singing, and traditional offerings, drawing devotees from near and far.
Sri Mangala Chamundi Temple in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan
Whether you are visiting to offer prayers or simply admire its Kerala-inspired architecture, Sri Mangala Chamundi Temple is a quiet reminder of how tradition and community can shape a sacred space.
In the heart of Bahau’s estate landscape, this humble yet deeply spiritual temple stands as a tribute to enduring faith, cultural roots, and the beauty of slowing down.
Address: 10, 73500, Rompin, Negeri Sembilan
Operation hours: 5.30am–9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 019-620 4470
More stunning Hindu temples to visit in Malaysia:
- Karak Shivan Alayam, a forested Hindu temple in KL set by a stream
- Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy, Malaysia’s oldest Hindu temple
- Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Hindu temple with 300,000 glass pieces in JB
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Yusintha.