Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy temple in Melaka
Malaysia is a treasure trove of age-old temples speckled across its diverse states. One such historic gem that can be found on the illustrious Harmony Street in Melaka is the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy temple.
This over 230-year-old Hindu temple stands as the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, with an elaborate gopuram that catches the eye even from afar and a storied past that will make it worth a visit for cultural buffs.
Malaysia’s oldest operating Hindu temple
Jalan Tukang Emas, or Temple Street, is also referred to as Jalan Harmony by locals.
It gets its nickname from the three diverse and historic religious structures situated along the street: Masjid Kampung Kling, a longstanding mosque built in 1748; Cheng Hoon Teng temple, the oldest functioning Chinese temple in our country; and Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy temple, built in 1781.
Image credit: Kok zi hao via Google Maps
An important religious site for the Hindu community in Melaka, the 242-year-old Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy temple originated as a rectangular edifice bestowed upon the community by Kapitan Thaivanayagam Chitty, a revered figure during the Dutch occupation.
He was given a plot of land by the Dutch rulers and used it to build the temple, dedicating it to Lord Vinayaga, also known as Lord Ganesha – the elephant deity who is known as the god of wisdom.
Today, it is Malaysia’s oldest operating Hindu temple.
Image credit: @jas0nt1u via Instagram
Showcasing a Dravidian architecture in the Pallava style, the entrance to the temple reveals a three-tiered gopuram, with each tower dedicated to a deity.
Upon closer observation, you’ll notice that each level of the tower is painted with an iconography depicting a symbolic meaning. The first level features the golden vel known as the sacred spear of Lord Murugan vanquishing evil forces to protect the universe.
Meanwhile, the second level shows Lord Vishnu and his cosmic power as the preserver of the universe. Last but not least, the golden bells on the third level symbolises Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and negative energies.
The interior of the temple
Inside the temple, the main prayer hall boasts colourful walls and intricate drawings exuding a serene and devotional atmosphere. The sanctum sanctorum, also known as the garbhagriha, is the innermost chamber where the main god, Lord Ganesha, sits enshrined.
Image credit: Adrian Lunsong via Google Maps
In contrast to the conventional depictions of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god in this temple is sculpted from black limestone and stands around 3-feet tall. The deity is also adorned with a vastra. In reverence and gratitude, devotees neatly place fragrant rose water around the god’s altar and make offerings such as bananas, which are considered to be the deity’s favourite delicacy.
On the other side of the temple is another sacred altar dedicated to Lord Sri Sundareswarar represented in the form of a lingam. This sacred symbol encapsulates the consciousness and cosmic energies bestowed upon this deity, who is otherwise known as Lord Shiva.
Image credit: Traveler Tina
Important festivals, rituals, and ceremonies are observed by the Melaka Chitty community here, including pongal, Deepavali, and the procession of religious chariots for rathams, or religious chariots.
The historic Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy temple in Melaka
While our country is known for a multitude of landmarks, our cultural heritage stands out as one of its most unique aspects, with diverse cultures coexisting harmoniously.
If you’re planning to experience the rich cultural heritage that our country has to offer, consider taking a trip to Melaka where you can catch a glimpse of the enduring presence of Hinduism in Malaysia at the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy temple in Melaka.
Address: No 5 to 11, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200, Melaka
Operating hours: 7am-11.30am & 6pm-9pm, Daily
Contact: 06-281 0693
For more stunning places of worships to discover in Malaysia, check out these 10 breathtaking mosques and 10 unique Chinese temples.
Cover image adapted from: @vanjas_ways via Instagram & @om_sakthi_ayyan via Instagram
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