KUCHING: The construction of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Rock here has been finally completed, with only final touches left before its official opening.
Its temple association president Shankar Ram Asnani said they are now awaiting the occupation permit.
“Our temple is technically completed and we have applied for the occupation permit.
“However, there are other aspects of the temple that we are tidying up. And the deities we imported from India, will arrive soon,” he told Sarawak Tribune today.
Following that, he said the temple will perform the Maha Kumbha Abhishekam by September or October.
“The Maha Kumbha Abhishekam is a consecration ceremony to empower and inaugurate the temple in accordance with Agamic traditions,” he said.
He added the temple committee is therefore looking forward to the official opening of the temple.
“It is a very beautiful temple, with intricate sculptures crafted by specialists from India,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to the Sarawak government, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for their contributions to the temple fund.
Shankar, a prominent lawyer, added the main shrine will house the Goddess Sri Maha Mariamman, while the temple’s ‘Raja Gopuram’ (monumental entrance tower) will feature more than 100 deities.
The six-storey-tall ‘Raja Gopuram’ will be the tallest in Borneo and the second tallest in Malaysia, adding to the city’s landmarks of worship.
Construction of the temple began in 2020 but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sarawak government has contributed RM2.3 million towards the temple’s construction, which costs over RM3 million in total.
