Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
Penang
Culture and Religion
The newly built Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil, situated in the hills of Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang; is the Largest Lord Murugan Temple outside of India. The temple was built to accommodate the growing numbers of devotees, especially during Thaipusam Celebrations.
An architect from India, along with 19 temple builders and artisans, spent four years hand-sculpting the temple's designs on site. The outcome: a beautifully decorated prayer hall, and an intricate 7-storey main tower, almost identical to ancient temples in South India.
Devotees and visitors need to climb over 500 steps to get to the temple, which makes the temple higher than the one in Batu Caves. Although this may sound like a daunting feat, the breathtaking view on top is worth the effort.