The oldest Hindu temple in Georgetown, Penang is the Sri Mariamman Temple, which was built in 1883. The Goddess Mariamman is a representation of the goddess Parvati, a powerful embodiment of the earth’s natural forces. The Tamil Indians of Southeast Asia - descendants of Indians brought over by the British during their days of empire - venerate Mariamman to this day, calling her their particular protector.

In the temple, the Goddess is symbolized with four swans, one of her earthly incarnations.

The décor of the Sri Mariamman is distinctly South Indian in its color and proliferation of detail, most apparent in the 23-foot high gopuram (tower) swarming with Hindu deities and floral trimmings. The interior’s centerpiece is the jewelry-encrusted statue of Lord Subramaniam, a god of war and another deity the Tamil hold in particular reverence.

The statue comes into its own on the Hindu festival of Thaipusam - every year, it is carried on a silver chariot through the city streets, followed by Hindu devotees.

Visitors are allowed to enter Sri Mariamman; you may be particulary interested in the morning prayers held by the temple priests. But it’s still polite to ask permission to enter from one of the priests in the vicinity. Before you enter, remember to take off your shoes.

Getting to Sri Mariamman: the temple is located on Lebuh Pitt, between Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh Chulia in Central Georgetown. The city center is easily accessible via taxi.

The temple is open from 8am to 12 noon, and again from 4pm to 9pm.