Sri Thendayuthapany Alayam, Cameron Highlands (Perak)

This massive spiritual edifice was planned, constructed and managed by the early Hindu settlers of Cameron Highlands, mostly from Department of Road Works. It is believed to have been initiated by Govinda Chettiar, a pious devotee, who wanted the Hindu community of Cameron Highlands to receive the divine blessings of Lord Thendayuthapany. The initial structure of the temple was built in 1930, and was later renovated several times to accommodate the growing number of the Hindu community in Cameron Highlands. To date, it is the biggest Hindu temple in Cameron Highlands, and serves the Hindu community to its utmost capacity.

The temple’s yearly ‘Tiruvila’ (Temple Celebration) is held on Chitra Pournami, and is conducted in a grand scale. Hundreds of staunch devotees descend from all over Malaysia, and Singapore, to participate in the ‘Tiruvila’, and show their gratitude to Lord Thendayuthapany. The temple has a strong following of the Chinese society, mostly from the business community. These businessmen seek the blessing of Lord Thendayuthapany before a business endeavour, and if successful, contribute back to the temples as an act of gratitude. Lord Thendayuthapany in Cameron Highlands is also famed for blessing offspring to childless couples. Many couples seek Lord Thendayuthapany’s spiritual intervention to obtain an offspring, and their pleas are mostly answered. Some ardent Hindu devotees have had the vision of Lord Thendayuthapany in this auspicious temple, as a youthful deity, holding the eternally powerful ‘Vel’ (Divine Spear). The statue of Lord Idumban has also been consecrated at this temple, and his ‘shakti’ (divine energy) is supposed to be very strong. Many devotees seek his blessing to cure ailments, black magic curses, financial difficulties and domestic problems.

The ‘shakti’ (divine energy) of this temple is alluringly powerful due to the gold ‘yantra’ (sacred diagram) consecrated at the bottom of main sanctum. As gold contains the highest spiritual element amongst all metals, hence it is able to transmit divine blessings from the heavens upon the visiting devotees to this temple. Another important aspect is the ‘Vel’ and ‘Kodi’ (flag) of this hilly temple. Both are the primary symbols of Lord Thendayuthapany, and are made from silver, which is the second most auspicious metal after gold.