Bukit Mertajam Hindu Temple : Duly registered; in existence since 1899, before the Hospital

Bukit Mertajam: The Hindu temple at the entrance of the Bukit Mertajam Hospital, which has attracted the nation’s attention, was in existence since 1899 and was duly registered with the authorities in 2016, the Tamil daily Makkal Osai reported today.

Makkal Osai’s first page report, comprising an interview conducted by its reporter Kavinmalar with the current chairman of the Temple, Mr Karthigesan, detailed the history of the temple. According to the report the temple named ‘Arulmigu Maruthuvar Jada Muneeswarar temple’ was constructed as a small temple in 1899 in the middle of a jungle. At that time, the Bukit Mertajam hospital was not constructed, and so the temple was a stand alone temple. Later, the hospital was built in 1908, and even then, the temple was several meters away from the hospital premises.

As time passed by, the hospital expanded and new roads were constructed and the temple was directed to be moved out to the current site. Although the temple was in existence for 127 years it was only registered in 2016 with much efforts and with the help of Prof Dr P.Ramasamy who was then the Deputy Chief Minister II of Pulau Pinang.

(More to follow)