Original Balathandayuthapani Temple

Original Balathandayuthapani Temple (27 January 2008)


The Original Balathandayuthapani Temple is a small shrine at the base of the Penang Botanic Gardens Waterfall. According to a document posted on the wall of the old Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (reading it in July 2012), the shrine was already existing as early as 1782 and possibly before that. This document attributed a statement made by Francis Light, that Chulias and Chettiars (as Tamils were then known) were already on Penang Island when he established George Town in 1786. They were worshipping the Vel (or sacred spear) of Thanneermalaian. Thaneermalaian means "he who dwells at the waterfall", in reference to the deity Murugan and his shrine at the base of the waterfall.

An altar at the Botanic Gardens Waterfall (27 January 2008)


Writing this in July 2012, I have personally not yet come across the said statement by Francis Light, and would be very interested to review and verify it. If this is substantiated, it will provide evidence that Tamils have already established themselves on this part of Penang Island (in addition to possible Tamil settlements along Sungai Pinang).

The Original Balathandayuthapani Temple was the main temple for the worship of Murugan until 1850, when it had to be relocated when the British administration took over the area to establish a reservoir. The temple was given an eleven-acre plot of land along the then Waterfall Road. The relocated temple was completed in 1850. It is located at a perch overlooking George Town.

Although the worship of Murugan was relocated, the original shrine did not totally disappear. Visitors to the Penang Botanic Gardens Waterfall will be able to see the shrine. However, access to this area is restricted, and permission has to be sought from PBA Penang.

Run-off from the Botanic Gardens Waterfall (27 January 2008)