Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple

Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)


The Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (GPS: 5.43285, 100.29826) is a temple of the Chettiar community in Penang. Its full name is Nattukkottai Chettiar Thendayuthapani Temple, also called the Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple. It is originally located on Waterfall Road (Jalan Air Terjun, today at its rear), though today the road in front of it is Jalan Kebun Bunga. It was founded around 1854, after the Chettiar community in Penang Street bought the piece of land to build the chettiar quarters, or chettinar.

The word nattukkottai is a compound noun of two words, "nattu" and "kottai", meaning "country forts". This refers to the Chettiar's acumen in amassing wealth and keeping it. Being astute businessmen and moneylenders, the chettiar build temples that are hallmarks of quality, and are usually well managed as well as financially secure. Within the chettiar quarters is the temple of Thendayuthapani, an incarnation of the deity Murugan. This temple was consecrated in 1857. It was build in the chokkatan, or chequered design.

Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple on Google Maps Street View

The main doorway of the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)


During Thaipusam, male chettiar carry a peacock feather yoke accompanying the silver chariot. They retreat to the chettinar for three days before accompanying the chariot back to town.

Immediately opposite the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple is the Sri Meenakshi Sundraeswar Temple.

The Trustees of the Nattukottai Chettiars Temple also has its website right here: https://www.pttemple.com/

Ornately painted door panels of the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)


Pillar corridor of Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)


Passage in the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple leading towards the garbhagriha, or sanctum sactorum (3 January 2005)


Murals on the wall of the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)


The mandapa, or pillared pavillion, of Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)


Statue of Nandi, the steed of the Hindu deity Shiva, at the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple (3 January 2005)

Getting there

The Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple is on Jalan Kebun Bunga. The road is served by Rapid Penang bus 10.

Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple is on the Map of Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang

List of Hindu Temples in Penang and Hindu Temples in Malaysia