Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple

Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple (7 January 2018)




The The Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple (GPS: 5.40381, 100.27925) is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. Its full name is Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam. Located along Jalan Air Itam, it started as merely a small attap shrine in 1886, by the Hindu community of Ayer Itam, to worship the female deity Mariamman. In 1898, the first annual fire walking ceremony in Penang was held at the Maha Mariamman Temple. The shrine was improved to a temple in 1920, and the first Maha Kumbha Abishegam ceremony was performed in 1926.

Since 1939, the The Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple hosts an annual chariot procession that passes through Air Itam, Kampung Baru, Rifle Range, Kampong Pisang and Thean Teik Dstate now known as Farlim.

In 2002, the The Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple began a project to completely renovate the temple. New entranceway and gopuram (temple towers) were erected, new sculptures were created by artisans. The project is estimated to cost RM700,000.

Address

Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam
640A MK 16, Jalan Ayer Itam
11500 Penang

Getting there

The Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple is located within walking distance of Air Itam town. Rapid Penang Bus 201, 203, 204, 206 and 306 ply the route to Air Itam.

Entrance to the Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam (7 December 2009)


Air Itam Mahamariamman Temple (7 December 2009)


Air Itam Mahamariamman Temple, from the roadside (7 December 2009)


Colourful figurines at the Air Itam Mahamariamman Temple (7 December 2009)


Shrines within the Air Itam Mahamariamman Temple (7 September 2009)


Sculptures on the entrance arch (25 January 2012)

Reconstruction of the Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple

The Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple underwent a reconstruction in 2008 which was completed the following year.

The Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple during construction (11 October 2008)


Construction of a new archway for the Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple (11 October 2008)


Newly painted figurines adorn the walls of the rebuilt Ayer Itam Mahamariamman Temple (11 October 2008)

Ayer Itam Sri Mariamman Temple is on the Map of Jalan Air Itam, Penang and on the Map of Air Itam Village

Acknowledgement

Penang Travel Tips wish to thank Mr N. Letchumanansamy, PKT, PJK, PJM., chairman of the temple management committee for his assistance is providing information about the temple.

List of Hindu Temples in Penang and Hindu Temples in Malaysia