Malaysia Hindu temple celebrates 100 years of service

Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple Kajang (Malaysia), said to be the oldest Hindu temple in Selangor, has completed 100 years of service.

The temple celebrated the occasion with elaborate ceremonies, and gold coins commemorating the temple’s century were crafted.

Besides providing worship services, this temple reportedly also undertakes various community, social, cultural and educational programs; organizes youth camps; and runs a preschool with subsidies for the under-privileged.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended temple leaders and area community for their efforts towards the upkeep and growth of the temple and spreading the message of peace, love and harmony.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts, and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism, we should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

According to reports, five Hindu leaders of their time — Chettiar, Muthiah, Pillay, Sinnathamby, Valupillai — purchased a 1.2 hectares plot for this temple over a century ago. Datuk K. Kirubakaran and Amara Karan Karthigasu are the current president and secretary respectively of the temple managing committee. The temple is open 365 days a year.

Kajang, settled in 1709 and famous for its sate, has reportedly a substantial population of Hindus. Notable people associated with Kajang include actress Nora Danish, singer Ning Baizura and football player K. Reuben.