Arulmigu Bala Thandayuthapani Hilltop Waterfall temple, Penang

Original waterfall temple

The original temple was located within the ground of Penang Botanical gardens. A sadhu (holy man) has chose a spot close to the waterfall (see picture) to build a temple for Murugan around mid of 18th century. It was called as Tanneer malayaan temple. The early Tamil traders, merchants-bankers and moneylenders (Chettiars) and laborers (ferried water to Georgetown) are the devotees of the temple. Since 1800 the temple shrine become the centre for Thaipusam celebration. But, in 1850 the temple was replaced with a new one, when the Penang population swelled drastically and the need for clean water increased. British government  planned to build a reservoir and the site is reserved.  

Now, the temple is in a restricted area controlled by Penang Water Board. Every Thaipusam celebrations the temple committee members with the priest will have a special prayers at the temple and five pots of water will be carried from the waterfall for Abishegam to Lord Muruga and the presiding deities of the old temple.  

 Old temple

The old Thandayuthapani temple was dates from 1850. The British Government has offered an eleven acre land on hillside to build a new temple at the hillside.  A temple was built in a new site (see picture) with name Waterfall temple. Thaipusam celebration was continued. It draws a huge crowd year after year. Though it has undergone renovations in every 12 years cycles (punarutharanam), according to Agamas, the temple site was too small and unable to handle the devotees needs and welfare. Besides Thaipusam, the devotees also increased in number during Chitra Pournami, Kanda Sasti, Karthigai, Adi Pournami festivals. A new temple site was planned to accommodate the increasing number of devotees (estimated up to 700,000 visitors at a time).

New waterfall Hilltop temple

The new site was located at the top of the hill. One has to climb 511 steps - leading from the foothills to reach the temple. The world renowned temple architect  and vaastu expert Dr V. Ganapathy Stapathi was consulted in building the temple. Skilled Indian craftsmen were brought to complete the temple structure according to the temple Agamas. Now, it stands magnificently -  with 21.6m tall raja gopuram (equal to seven storeys building) and 20, 000 sq ft hall (maha mandapam).  It temple interior and exterior was ornately adorned with intricate south Indian architecture. The temple pillars feature the 14th and 15th century Chola and Pallava kingdoms temple designs. The Maha kumbhabishegam or consecration ceremony was done on 29th June 2012. 

maha mandapam