KUCHING: The long-awaited Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Rock is nearing completion and is expected to open early next year, featuring what will be the tallest Raja Gopuram (main entrance tower) in Borneo.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association president Datuk Shankar Ram Asnani said the construction is now in its final stages, with only the shrines and installation of deities remaining before the consecration ceremony.
“The temple is actually close to completion. It’s only the shrines left, and we are waiting for the deities to come from India. Then, we have a lot of rituals to perform, so it will be at least three months before we start the consecration ceremony,” he said.
He said this to reporters during his Diwali open house at King’s Curry restaurant in Jalan Petanak, here yesterday (Oct 20).
Shankar added that the consecration ceremony could likely take place around January or February next year, depending on the arrival of the deities from India.
According to previous reports, the temple will feature a six-storey, 600-tonne Raja Gopuram, which will house over 100 deities once fully completed.
“The main shrine will be dedicated to Sri Maha Mariamman, the mother goddess revered for her nurturing and protective nature.
“The project, costing over RM4 million, received strong support from the Sarawak government, which contributed approximately RM3 million, while the remaining funds were raised through public donations,” he explained.
Turning to the Diwali celebration, Shankar, who is also a senior lawyer, noted that the festival goes beyond religion, symbolising unity and the triumph of goodness over evil.
“Diwali is celebrated throughout India not only by Hindus but also by Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and even Muslims,” he said.
He also highlighted that, despite being the smallest minority in Sarawak, the Indian community has always felt at home in the state.
“It is not about tolerating people. You must love people. Integrate properly, mix with others, and build relationships no matter what race or creed,” he said.
Meanwhile, his wife, Datin Karishma Shankar Asnani, shared that guests at the open house were treated to authentic Indian dishes, including Lamb Rogan Josh; a cashew- and almond-based Kashmiri curry and a yogurt-based chicken curry, alongside Indian street food such as Pani Puri.
“I wanted guests to experience the feeling of eating Indian street food like Pani Puri, just like we would have it in India,” she said.
