About

Sri Raja Rajeswary Temple

The Sri Raja Rajeswary Temple, is a Hindu Temple located in Ampang, Malaysia. It is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in the city, and it is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary.

Historical Perspective of the Sri Raja Rajeswary Temple

The Sri Raja Rajeswary Temple was grounded in 1973 by the late Mr. K. Suppiah, a Research Assistant, supported mainly by a core group of staff of the then Ampang Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia. This elevated duplex structure on a hill slope is a sight to behold at 4.5 km. Jalan Ulu Klang, Ampang, Selangor. This unique and majestic dwelling place of Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary is flanked by a river Sungai Ampang on its front and surrounded by the sacred neem, pipal and vilva trees.

The present majestic abode of Ambal is the manifestation of the many evolvement that required challenging and massive consecration and enshrinement works over the years. Plans are afoot to further rectify some major and minor features including placement of shrines according to spiritual norms and to further facilitate devotees to undertake all rituals according to Hindu Temple praying methodology.

The Temple

The Temple was registered as Sri Mariamman Temple in 1973 and was renamed Sri Raja Rajeswary Temple on the advise of scholars from the Department of Indian Studies, University of Malaya. The foundation stone was laid by the then MIC President, Tun Manikavasagam on 15 November 1974. The Temple was given a grant of MR30 000 by the Selangor State Government in 1975. The initial statues of Sri Raja Rajeswary, Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga were sculptured by Devokottai Muthukaruppar of Tamil Nadu. With minimal disturbance to the Temple surroundings the building was erected, and the first consecration ceremony was conducted on 26 June 1977. For the second consecration ceremony Tun S. Samyvelu, the then President of MIC who designed and funded the extension of the front entrance to the Temple and simultaneously converted the double entrance of the Temple to one.

At the entrance of the Temple, Lord Ganesha or Vinayagar is evident on the left of the main sanctum in the form of Siddhi Vinayagar, the God of Achievement. This monolithic icon is sculptured out of a single black stone. This icon was installed here in a separate shrine in 1977 and formed part of the Temple as originally built.

As one circles the Temple just beyond the Lord Ganesha, the shrine of Goddess Durga is within reach. In the renovation work leading to the second consecration ceremony, a new and larger shrine of the Goddess was built. The image of the Goddess is that of Her as Vishnu Durga and remains the icon that was first installed leading to the Temple’s second consecration ceremony. As one completes the circle around the Temple one reaches the sanctum dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, the God of the ancient Tamils. The icon of the Lord is that of Him as Bala Subramaniam, the adult child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The icon was installed here in this sanctum when the Temple was built in 1977. As one finishes the circle around the Temple is the main sanctum or the Mulasthana devoted to the Universal Mother, the Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary.

Just outside the doorway leading to the main sanctum stands two heavenly beings carved in stones. Also located within the prayer hall are two mandapams one on each side of the main sanctum. The mandapams were added in the renovation works leading to the Temple’s third consecration ceremony and house the Temple’s smaller panchaloga icons, urtsava moorthis. The mandapam to the left of the main sanctum is the Rajeswary mandapam and houses the icon of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary, the Goddess Durga and Lord Murugan with His consorts Valli and Theivanai. The mandapam to the right of the sanctum is the Nadaraja mandapam that houses the icons of Lord Nadaraja as the Lord of Dance in the ring of fire and His consort the Goddess Sivagami and four saints, the nalvars.

The nine Navagrahas, the nine planets that are believed to have a significant impact on the lives of every individual. The deities are each 1.5 feet high and stands on their own vahanams. The Navagrahas that we now have in the shrine are new and were installed here in the renovation works leading to the fourth consecration ceremony.

First, the Sun God, Surya Bhagavan, occupying the centre, is the graha that is the source of life.Then diagonally to the right is the graha Santhira Bhagavan, the Moon God and just in front of this graha stands Angkara Bhagavan, Mars in the Zodiac.

Diagonally to the left of the Sun God stands the graha Budhan dedicated to Mercury whilst standing in front of this graha and to the left of Surya Bhagavan stands Guru Bhagavan. Then in the middle between the Moon God and Budhan Bhagavan stands Sukhira Bhagavan.

Just in front of the Sun God is a row of three, stands Sane Bhagavan, the graha dedicated to Saturn and to His right and left Raahu and Ketthu Bahgavan respectively. Of the three it would be correct to say that Sane Bhagavan takes prominence. He is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when He occupies a peculiar position in one’s horoscope. A prayer to this Devata especially on Saturdays is said to mitigate the hardships that one may otherwise have to face during these periods.

As one ends the spiritual journey through the Temple, one remembers that in the Hindu way a single deity can become many, and the many can also become one.

The Deities

Experience the divine presence of deities at Sri Raja Rajeswary temple: a spiritual journey like no other.

Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary

Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary, is a Hindu goddess who is considered to be the supreme goddess of the universe. She is worshipped as the embodiment of Shakti, the feminine power, and is also associated with wealth and prosperity.

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary is often depicted as a beautiful woman sitting on a lotus throne, with four arms, holding a variety of symbolic objects. She is often shown with a third eye on her forehead, which represents her spiritual insight and power.

According to some beliefs, Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary is the consort of Lord Shiva, the destroyer god in Hinduism. She is also believed to be an aspect of the goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as the mother Goddess in Hinduism.

Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary is particularly revered in South India, where there are many Temples dedicated to her. Her worship is associated with many rituals and festivals, including Navaratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess.

Overall, Goddess Sri Raja Rajeswary is considered to be a powerful and benevolent deity who can grant blessings and bestow good fortune upon her devotees.

Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is a Hindu deity who is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta, and many other names. He is depicted as a pot-bellied, elephant-headed deity with four arms and a mouse as his vehicle.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from her own body, while she was taking a bath. She created him as a guardian to protect her and as a companion to keep her company when Lord Shiva, her husband, was away. Lord Ganesha is said to have been given the task of guarding the door to the Goddess' chambers and not allowing anyone to enter without her permission.

Lord Ganesha is also associated with the Hindu festival of Vinayagar Chaturthi, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and around the world. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated with the installation of his idols in homes and public spaces. The festival usually lasts for 10 days, during which people offer prayers, perform pujas, and sing devotional songs in honor of Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha is considered to be a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and wisdom. He is also worshipped by people who seek success in their endeavors, as he is believed to remove all obstacles and grant success to his devotees. His blessings are sought before beginning any new venture or undertaking.

Goddess Durga

Goddess Durga is a prominent deity in Hinduism, revered as the divine mother or the feminine power. According to Hindu mythology, she is an embodiment of Shakti or the supreme energy that pervades the entire universe. The legend goes that when the demon Mahishasura threatened to conquer the three worlds, the gods combined their powers to create the warrior Goddess Durga, who fought and defeated him.

Goddess Durga is depicted as a ten-armed Goddess riding on a lion or a tiger, carrying various weapons and symbols of power. Each of her ten arms represents a different power or attribute, such as strength, courage, and knowledge. She is also associated with fertility, motherhood, and protection.

The worship of Goddess Durga is celebrated during the festival of Navrathri, which is held in the Temple in the months of September/October. During this nine-day festival, devotees fast, offer prayers and perform rituals to invoke the blessings of the goddess. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami, the victory of good over evil is celebrated, marking the end of the festival.

Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, and Subramanya, is a Hindu deity who is primarily worshipped in South India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia. He is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered to be the god of war, victory, and wisdom.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan was created by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to defeat the demon Narakasura, who had been causing havoc in the three worlds. Lord Murugan is said to have been born with six faces and twelve arms, and he is believed to have defeated Tarakasura with his vel, a spear-like weapon.

Lord Murugan is depicted as a young, handsome warrior with a spear and a flag in his hands. He is often shown riding a peacock, which is his vehicle, and is sometimes accompanied by his consorts Valli and Thevanai. He is also associated with the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which is celebrated in his honor in many parts of the world.

Lord Murugan is widely worshipped in South India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia, especially by those seeking success in their endeavors, protection from evil, and wisdom. His blessings are sought before beginning any new venture or undertaking. The Kanda Sashti Kavasam, a hymn in praise of Lord Murugan, is one of the most popular devotional songs in Tamil Nadu and is recited by millions of people around the world.

Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjaneya, is a Hindu deity who is revered for his strength, courage, and devotion to Lord Rama. He is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is believed to have played a key role in the Hindu epic, Ramayana.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana, an Apsara, and Kesari, a Vanara. He was blessed with incredible strength and speed, which he used to help Lord Rama rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Lord Hanuman is believed to have flown across the ocean to reach Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana, and to have fought against his army of demons to help Lord Rama win the battle.

Lord Hanuman is depicted as a monkey-faced deity, with a muscular body and a long tail. He is often shown carrying a mace and a flag with the symbol of Lord Rama. He is considered to be a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty.

Lord Hanuman is widely worshipped in India and other parts of the world, especially by those seeking protection from evil, strength, and success in their endeavors. His blessings are sought before beginning any new venture or undertaking. The Hanuman Chalisa, a hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman, is one of the most popular devotional songs in Hinduism and is recited by millions of people around the world.

Lord Dhanvantari

Lord Dhanvantari is a Hindu deity who is revered as the god of medicine and healing. He is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped by those seeking good health and well-being.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean of milk during the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. He is said to have held a pot of nectar, which bestowed immortality and good health upon those who drank it. Lord Dhanvantari is also believed to have taught the science of Ayurveda to mankind, which is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India.

Lord Dhanvantari is depicted as a four-armed deity, holding a conch shell, a discus, a pot of nectar, and a healing herb in his hands. He is often shown with a radiant aura and wearing a crown of flowers. He is also associated with the Hindu festival of Dhanteras, which is celebrated in his honor in many parts of India.

Lord Dhanvantari is widely worshipped by those seeking good health and well-being, especially in the practice of Ayurveda. His blessings are sought before beginning any new treatment or healing practice. The Dhanvantari Mantra, a hymn in praise of Lord Dhanvantari, is recited by millions of people around the world seeking his divine intervention for good health and well-being.

Lord Bhairava

Lord Bhairava is a Hindu deity who is associated with annihilation and creation. He is believed to be a fierce form of Lord Shiva and is worshipped as the guardian of temples, villages, and towns. He is also known as the lord of the cremation ground and is often depicted with a dog, his vehicle.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Bhairava was born from the wrath of Lord Shiva when he beheaded one of Lord Brahma's five heads. Lord Bhairava is said to have taken the form of a dog and wandered the world in search of atonement. He is also believed to have destroyed the ego of Lord Brahma, who had become arrogant due to his power and position.

Lord Bhairava is depicted as a fearsome deity, with multiple heads and arms, holding weapons and skulls in his hands. He is often shown wearing a garland of skulls and a tiger skin around his waist. He is also associated with the Hindu festival of Kalashtami, which is celebrated in his honor in many parts of India.

Lord Bhairava is worshipped by those seeking protection from evil, as he is believed to be a fierce protector who destroys negativity and purifies the surroundings. His blessings are sought before beginning any new venture or undertaking. The Bhairavashtakam, a hymn in praise of Lord Bhairava, is one of the most popular devotional songs in Hinduism and is recited by millions of people around the world.

Navagrahas

In Hinduism, the planets, also known as Navagrahas, are considered to be divine celestial beings that have a significant influence on human lives. The nine planets are believed to represent different aspects of life, such as wealth, health, success, and relationships. Each planet is associated with a particular Hindu deity and has a specific significance and impact on an individual's life.

Worshipping the planets is an important aspect of Hinduism as it is believed that by appeasing these celestial beings, one can obtain their blessings and reduce the malefic effects of their influence. Hindus perform various rituals and puja ceremonies to worship the Navagrahas, which may include chanting mantras, offering flowers, lighting incense sticks, and making offerings of food.

The significance of worshipping the planets in Hinduism is not just limited to obtaining material blessings or warding off negative effects. It is also believed that the Navagrahas can guide an individual towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. By worshipping the planets, one can attain a higher level of consciousness and connect with the divine energy that flows through the universe.

Overall, worshipping the planets in Hinduism is considered to be a way of seeking blessings, guidance, and protection from the celestial beings that govern the cosmos. It is an important aspect of Hindu culture and has been practiced for centuries as a way of connecting with the divine and achieving a deeper understanding of the universe.

Temple Etiquette

Hindu Temples are not mere places of worship. They are the structure where the particular deity ‘lives’ in subtle form, literally accepting the worship.

When we pay a visit to someone superior, or highly placed in society, we have to observe a certain code of conduct. Just so, when we visit the Lord of the universe in a Temple, we have to observe certain etiquette, norms, and decorum.

Daivapacaras

We have to bear in mind that there are Daivapacaras, conducts which may offend the deity in the Temple. Consequently, it may bring misery and suffering to the transgressor. Some of it are as follow:

Not observing personal, environmental and ceremonial cleanliness
Not attending the important festival of the Temple
Not making obeisance and circumambulations
Treating the Prasadam / offering carelessly and without respect.
Not offering the best kind of things even though one can afford do so
Engaging in secular and non-religious activities in the presence of the deity
Boisterous behaviour
Observing caste restrictions
Misusing the things belonging to the Temple

Main Temple, Sanctum Sanctorum, and other Shrines

Before entering the Temple, please salute the Gopuram.
Do not step on the stone.
Remove shoes and keep it at the designated area.
Wash your legs, hands and sprinkle a little water on your head.
Before saluting the main deity, seek permission from the Daivapacaras.
Please do not enter the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha) or other shrines.
Please do not touch the deities or lean over into the shrines.
Do not step beyond the Daivapacaras (and not past the steps where there are no Daivapacaras) of the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not walk across in front of the Vahana.
Please do not block the central aisle of the main Temple.
Do not point your feet towards the deity when seated on the ground.

Pradakṣiṇa

Do Pradakṣiṇa (circumambulation) of the Sanctum Sanctorum, 3, 5 or 7 times, to get the blessings of the Lord.
Please go around clockwise, starting at the left side of the sanctum and complete on the right side and come to the front of the Lord. Do not cross if the main deity is Śiva.
Please do not do a Pradakṣiṇa during a puja ritual.
The form of Pradakṣiṇa may be triangular (for Devi), crescent-like (for Sivalinga) and circular for other deities.
The number of Pradakṣiṇa to various deities are:

One for Devi
Three for Ganapati
Three for Siva
Four for Visnu
Seven for Surya

Pranama

Do not prostrate to anyone else in the Temple premises (including priests).
Prostrate to the deity from a place outside the Dhvajastambha or Kodimaram (flag column) towards the North, taking care that the feet do not point in the direction of any of the deities.
Male devotees can do the asthanga pranama (done with eight limbs viz, the two feet, the two knees, the two arms, the chest and the head touching the ground).
Female devotees should do panchanga pranama (done with five limbs, viz, the two knees, the two hands and the head touching the ground).

Prasadam and Offerings

It is customary to offer something to the Lord when one visits a Temple.
Whatever offered to the Lord must be in good condition and if possible, the best that you can afford. Avoid the rotten, dirty, or polluted things.
You can bring fresh fruits, milk, garlands, or flowers and give it to the Temple priest to do the offering. Alternatively, you can drop coin/cash into the Undial box.
Naivediyam must be cooked in the Temple kitchen. Therefore, do not bring food cooked outside for offering.

Attire and Conduct

Please take a bath and wear clean clothes before going to a Temple.
Women should wear traditional Indian clothes, such as saree, Punjabi dress, or pavadai tavani in a modest way. For safety, please avoid excessive jewelry and revealing attire which may cause any distraction to others.
Men should wear shirt or jippa with long trousers or dhoti. Hats and caps of any form should be avoided.
Please remain silent during the pooja and other rituals. Avoid chatting.
Please avoid public displays of affection and physical contact with the opposite gender minding that you are in places of purity and sanctity.
Please restrain your children from running around, playing or causing disturbance to others.
Please help the Temple to maintain its campus clean and tidy. Do not litter.
Treat the Temple things with care and respect.

Prohibited Things / Activities

Videography and photography are not allowed inside the Temple unless specifically allowed.
Please switch your mobile phones and beepers to vibration mode.
No pets are allowed inside the Temple.
No inappropriate or loud music shall be played in the Temple.
Sale of books, tapes, or other material to raise funds for any charity within or outside the Temple is not allowed without prior approval from the Temple management.
Do not eat or drink in the main hall but at the allotted dining area.
Alcohol, smoking, and chewing gum are not allowed anywhere in the Temple complex and surrounding areas.