Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

A Gateway to Divine Beauty 🕉️ Standing before the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's bustling Chinatown, I'm struck by how this 150-year-old sanctuary holds its ground amid the urban chaos. The towering Raja Gopuram rises like a technicolor dream against the city skyline, each of its five tiers adorned with hundreds of Hindu deities frozen in intricate poses. The morning light catches the temple's vibrant palette—brilliant golds, deep turquoises, warm terracottas—colors that seem to pulse with life even as traffic swirls around its entrance. This is the beauty of KL: ancient devotion and modern life existing in perfect, chaotic harmony. As I step closer, removing my shoes at the threshold, the street noise fades. Inside, the scent of incense mingles with fresh marigolds, and the cool tile feels sacred beneath my feet. This is where Thaipusam begins each year, where thousands of devotees start their pilgrimage to Batu Caves in acts of faith that humble any observer. Travel tip: Visit early morning (around 7-8 AM) to experience the temple during prayer time when it's most atmospheric. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered. Photography is welcome outside, but always ask permission before photographing devotees or the inner sanctum. The temple asks nothing of you except respect, but gives everything—a glimpse into Malaysia's rich tapestry of cultures, where a Tamil shrine stands proud on Jalan Bandar, welcoming all who seek beauty, peace, or simply wonder.

This temple is a beautiful example of detailed architecture and vibrant cultural design. The moment you arrive, the colors and intricate carvings immediately stand out. Every part of the structure is covered in impressive artwork, statues, and patterns that show an incredible level of craftsmanship. Even if you’re not familiar with the cultural or religious background, the visual appeal alone makes it worth visiting. The atmosphere feels calm and respectful, with people quietly moving around, offering prayers, or simply appreciating the surroundings. It’s not a large place, but the design is rich enough that you’ll find yourself stopping to look closely at every section. The entrance tower especially is stunning, filled with layers of detailed sculptures stacked beautifully from bottom to top. It’s a nice spot to take a short break from the busy streets outside and appreciate a piece of historic and artistic beauty right in the middle of the city.

This Hindu temple is one of the most vibrant and visually stunning places I’ve ever visited. The moment you stand in front of the entrance, you’re struck by the colorful and detailed tower gate (gopuram) that rises high above the street. Covered in hundreds of intricately carved and painted deities, the facade is a masterpiece of South Indian Dravidian architecture. As you step inside, the atmosphere changes instantly—peaceful, spiritual, and filled with the scent of incense. The interior is equally beautiful, with shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga. Every statue is decorated with fresh flowers and silk garments, and the attention to detail is absolutely incredible. What I found especially touching was how the space is open to both worshippers and curious visitors. People were taking photos respectfully, while others offered prayers or lit incense. It felt like a sacred place that also welcomed cultural exchange. If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, this temple is a must-visit—not only for its visual beauty, but for the sense of serenity and cultural richness it offers. It’s free to enter, but please dress modestly and be respectful of the rituals taking place. I truly appreciated the hospitality and the opportunity to learn more about Hindu culture through this beautiful site.

It's very clean. Beautiful temple.. very very peaceful and well designed. I respect it so much. But i don't respect the person in the reception. I'm wearing a long dress and he forced me to pay 2renggit for this orange kind of skirt. Because according to him women should do that.. he will get paid 20cents for holding your shoes too. I have no comment about the temple because it's gorgeous and worth visiting

Yesterday was an awesome day for Ruben & Kavitha and we got to observe a wedding ceremony at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Petaling Street KL. It was full of excitement, joy, plenty of joy, laughter, smiles and colours. We truly enjoy the day.

One of KL’s most stunning and culturally rich landmarks! Built in the 1870s, this is the oldest Hindu temple in the city, and it still plays an important role in the local Tamil community’s religious life. The temple’s highlight is its incredibly detailed gopuram (tower), covered in hundreds of brightly coloured deities and mythological figures — it’s impossible to walk past without stopping to look up. Inside, the temple is just as beautiful, with richly painted ceilings, polished floors, and sacred shrines surrounded by fresh flowers and oil lamps. It’s a peaceful space with a real sense of devotion and tradition. You might even catch a short prayer ceremony while visiting. Don’t forget to remove your shoes at the entrance and dress respectfully. A great place to pause, learn, and appreciate one of KL’s key religious sites right near the hustle and bustle of Chinatown.

Great temple to visit and reflect at. Colorful vivid, enjoy the moment. No ticket needed, shoe guarding fee 20cents. Tour guide avalaible.

Beautiful temple, staff were incredibly strict and trying to make as much money as possible! Even if you're a women with long trousers and a shirt they'll still have problems. Just be prepared.

Very pretty and historic hindu temple. It's extremely colorful on the inside and out. Shoes are not allowed inside but they will hold them for you for 0.20 myr per pair. You can also leave them on the street with the many other pairs. Women are asked yo cover their legs and shoulders. They'll let you rent a shawl for 1 myr. It won't take you long to explore this temple unless you really want specific photos. Budget maybe thirty minutes.

The oldest Hindu temple in the heart of Chinatown Kuala Lumpur built in 1827. Incredible bright colors and detailed works. You leave your shoes next door in a basket with an attendant. I believe it was 20 cents a pair. Ladies need a sarong to cover your legs, I had one with me so I didn't need to purchase one at the door. Also no exposed shoulders. In their humid weather, I recommend a cotton T shirt dress with sarong you can put on and off. For KL I hired a private driver and guide to get me through the city. Mona's knowledge about this (and other) temple was incredible. It made it easier to explore the beauty and details versus trying to read the plaques. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman, known for her power in curing sicknesses. Mona also explained the entrance tower or gopuram houses several urns holding seeds on top. Allow at least a half hour to explore the various rooms and take in all the intricate and beautiful sculptures, shires, and deities there.

For tourists, this is an easy site to see right on Jalan Petaling. You can go at your own pace, and the only expense is a 0.20 RM shoe rack next door. I appreciated the wrap provided for me to cover my legs. The temple is incredibly intricately designed and once you enter you can almost forget that you are in the middle of a bustling street.

If you're around Jalan Petaling (Petaling Street) for sightseeing or just for a walk around the block, you should consider visiting the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is just on the edge of Jalan Petaling. Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest and richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, founded in 1873. It's easy to spot it; look out for its tall and grand entrance which you can probably see a block away. Despite being the oldest temple in KL, it is well maintained. The deities are painted over regularly and stand vivid and colourful under the sun. The walls and floors are clean. Both marble and concrete floors are comfortable to walk around barefooted or probably the small Wednesday crowd wasn't enough to dirty the floor. Nonetheless the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is worth visiting at least once for worshippers and tourists, both local and foreign. Its opening hours are from 6am to 12pm, then from 4.30pm to 9pm. Entrance is free for everybody!

Located at Jalan Tun H. S. Lee, you can spot it easily as it is at the edge or Chinatown a.k.a Petaling Street. I'm not sure how famous this temple really is, but since I grew up around this area, I tend to take it for granted till I was around that area and managed to have a glimpse of this temple. According to the local Hindus here, you are not allowed to wear your shoes inside the temple and clothes must be conservative for us ladies. The architecture was absolutely stunning!!! It is beyond words to describe it per say. And if you are coming to pay your respect, you can always buy some jasmine flowers at the outside stalls of the temples! Well, since it is in KL, you will expect paying at a price slightly higher by 10%. I had a fun time just had a quick turnaround in the temple, you should come here too.

The entrance of this temple was beautiful and very inviting - so we decided to check it out. We had to take our shoes off before going in - on the left of the entrance, there will be a person in charge to keep your shoes for RM0.20. Admission is free of charge. The temple was pretty clean and quite spacious, so we just took our time walking around. I don't know much about the religion but thought it was a good experience to look at the sculptures here. It was also a learning experience as after coming here, I came back and decided to do a little bit of reading of the deities. This temple is within walking distance from Pasar Seni LRT.