Malaysia: 131-year-old Hindu temple set to be demolished to make way for a mosque

Image: Jihad Watch

A century-old Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur has become the center of a heated dispute after proposals were made to relocate it to make way for a mosque. The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, a spiritual landmark for over a hundred years, now faces the threat of demolition and relocation. This move has sparked outrage among temple officials, activists, and the local Hindu community. While Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has temporarily suspended demolition plans, the temple committee remains firm in its opposition to the proposed relocation.

This situation is not isolated, as places of worship, both religious and historical, around the world have faced similar threats.

The Temple’s Historical Significance

Built in 1894, the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple stands as a testament to the deep-rooted Hindu traditions in the Masjid India area of Kuala Lumpur. For generations, it has been an integral part of the local Hindu community, serving as a place of worship, cultural gathering, and community involvement. Its main deity, Dewi Sri Pathra Kaliamma Amma, is revered by thousands of devotees who have visited the temple for over a century.

Located near Masjid India, a historically diverse area housing several religious establishments, the temple’s proximity to this cultural hub highlights its significance. However, the recent proposal to demolish the temple to make space for a mosque has reignited debates around religious rights, heritage preservation, and the role of authorities in such matters.

Broader Implications

The dispute carries broader implications, extending beyond the fate of one temple. Many view it as a critical test for religious rights, governance, and heritage conservation in Malaysia. P. Ramasamy, chairman of Urimai and a former deputy chief minister of Penang, has strongly opposed the temple's relocation, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for how minority religious institutions are treated.

“This issue is not about just one temple; it's about establishing a precedent for how heritage and religious rights are handled in Malaysia. Hindu temples aren’t movable structures to be relocated at the whim of the powerful,” said P. Ramasamy.

There is growing concern that if the temple is forcibly relocated, it could pave the way for the demolition of other historical religious sites, especially those belonging to minority communities.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)