The Nattukottai Chettiar Temple also known as Arulmigu Sri Thandayuthapani Temple, is perhaps the most famous among the Hindu temples located in Penang, Malaysia. Dedicated to Lord Thandayuthapani, also known as Lord Murugan, it is commonly known as the Thanneermalai Temple. Located on Waterfall Road (Jalan Kebun Bunga), this Shaivite temple is the centre of the annual Thaipusam festival in Penang. Being astute businessmen and moneylenders, Chettiars traditionally built temples that were hallmarks of quality. These temples are usually well managed and financially self sufficient. The temple was founded around 1854, after the Chettiar community in Penang Street, bought the piece of land to build the Chettiar quarters, or kittangi. Within the Chettiar quarters is the temple of Thandayuthapani, an incarnation of the deity Murugan. A point of interest is that the wooden superstructure and the pillars are all made of Burmese teak. There are hundreds of paintings depicting religious themes lining the recesses of the roof all round. The sanctum sanctorum faces the east. This temple was built in the “chokkattan” form (a layout shaped like the plus sign, designed by His Holiness Veerappa Swamigal of the Kovilur Mutt, Karaikudi,Tamil Nadu, India) and was consecrated on 12th December, 1857. Further consecration ceremonies were held on 2nd September,1928; 8th February, 1935; 28th January, 1955; 13th July, 1981, and 27th November, 1995. It was the practice for the Nattukottai Chettiars, to build temples for the Lord Murugan wherever they settled. This was the case in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. They were advised by Sivachariars not to build any Sivan Temples as certain rituals had to be observed and since the Brahmin Sivachariars who would perform these rituals were prohibited, by tradition, from crossing the seas. So the Chettiar were advised to establish Lord Murugan Temples where non-Brahmin priests, the pandarams, could be employed as priests.

Historical and splendid. All the more amazing with thousands of devotees visiting on annual Thaipusam day and parade of the famous Silver chariot.

Popular holy place. Love here because of the huge crowd come for prayer during Deepavali

Divine

After my friend’s wedding they have banned any dhool within temple area. No speakers also allowed within the area. If you all interested, I can let you all know who my friend is.

This is an old temple, run by the Chettiars. Very beautiful, powerful, and very peaceful too. The deity, Lord Muruga looks very majestic and handsome too with his powerful weapon, Vel. Very clean and well-organized temple. Enjoyed my prayers there. Please do visit this temple and get His blessings.

Have walked past this temple on previous visits but had never been inside. Today we were here for a wedding and got to see everyone inside, including the white peacocks out the back

A temple with unique architectural features. Serene and tranquil environment. Spacious. An apt refuge for devotion, prayer and meditation on the Almighty in the form of Lord Thendayuthapani (Murugan). Vetrivel Muruganukku Arohara! Om.

It is the one temple in Penang Island that is full of heritage and the positive vibes you get the moment you step in. The architecture, the paintings, the divine Lord Murugan. Its a must if you ever visit to Penang. Remember to take off your shoes before entering.

Nice calm and clean atmosphere. But preferences given only to nagarathar samoogam

Beautiful chettiar temple in Penang. Went on Thaipusam day, amazed with devotees & prayers to Lord of Murugan. A grand celebration in temple and glad to see that all visitor/prayers are disciplined line up to enter temple for prayer.

This is a temple and so what more can one say. Went during Thaipusam.

Piece full temple

It is the first Chettiar Temple in Penang, nice to see great ancient architecture culture. Built by the Cheetiar community around 1854.

Quite often, we will be going to this temple. It has beautiful architecture and paintings. And the priests and the community over there are friendly.

Attended a friend's wedding. Such a classic chettiar styled temple with spacious surrounding.

Peaceful place. Design and paintings are very classic.

Beautiful heritage building of the Chettiars. The solid materials used in building and multiple rooms and facilities in the building itself convenient for wedding and Indian functions. Loved it

Beautiful temple with intricate architecture, marvelous paintings and decorations. Clean and spacious. Limited roadside parking available, or you can park at the Youth Park parking lot and walk over. Wheelchair access available. No shoes allowed. Taps available inside to wash your hands and feet. Toilets could be cleaner.

Beautiful temple

VERY VERY CALM AND DIVINEFUL TEMPLE. EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT WHO STEPPED INTO PENANG.

Majestic temple. Very unique architecture n strong aura.

Beautiful. To see Malaysian architecture along with the art of the temple is beautiful!

Majestic and beautiful architecture.

Took me to a different world of blissful enviroment...

Good old murugan temple ,must visit nice temple to do prayers

Authentic chettinaad temple...u need to look for every details of art work on the ceiling of the temple.. if u r an art lover,u will fall in love with the paitings right away

Very peaceful and pleasant temple

Very ancient chettinad structure built temple

This 100+ years temple is definitely a must see.The architecture of this temple is simply amazing; similar to the ones in India.Intricate designs and paintings are feast to the eyes.

Murugan Temple near to famous Hill top temple in Penang

It's also called as nagarathar temple

A nice place to visit during festival time... nice arrangements... beautiful murgan n nice to go on tirukaliaum

Don't miss this temple, if you are in penang Island. Lord Muruga. My weekly visiting temple for prayers.

Every Saturday I will go this temple and that day's was Aadi Kritigai and done Paal Abishagam for lord Murugan.🙏

Beautiful temple. Full of Raja Ravivarma painting.peaceful place. Attended wedding.

Traditional quiet temple, keeping the culture architecture

I love this temple. Peaceful to pray. Very clean. Good vibration 🙏

Very beautiful temple.. i was mesmerized to see such grand and beautiful temple at Penang, Malaysia! It is very old temple and people are visiting here since generations.

A oeaceful divine pkace for orayers and self soul searching.🙏

Very peaceful & we are satisfied with the service & environment here..

Best place, aspeacially for indians

The temple structure is looking so good. There's another temple Infront of this temple. Walking distance. Have place for parking.