Sanatana Dharam Sabha Shiv Temple Taiping Perak

The North Indians Hindus, despite being a relatively small community, are an integral part of the multi-racial population of Malaysia, which include the ethnic group of Gujaratis, Sindhis, Punjabi Hindus, Bengalees, Marathi and Uttar Pradeshis. These vibrant Hindu devotees who resided in the vicinity of Taiping, were primarily entrepreneurs, and desired their own temple to worship divinity as well for communal gathering. They had scouted for a suitable land to construct the temple, and soon found a parcel of land, which had a snake mound under a peepal tree. This signifies the existence of 'nagas' (holy snakes), natural guardians of Hindu temples, therefore apt for the flourishing practices of Hindu rites and ritual for the consecrated deity. In 1936, the temple was constructed for Lord Shiva, according the spiritual science of Hindu temple architecture, and has been gradually refurbished over the passage of time, reflecting the celestial sanctuary present today. The temple is renowned to confer boons to its devotees without hesitation, and protect its spiritual followers with awe inspiring ferocity. The distinct aspect of this temple incorporates elements of the North Indian ritual of temple worship, which allows Hindu devotees to participate in the 'abisekham' (pouring of holy libation) ceremony, usually exclusive for the temple priest. This spiritual ritual which bonds deity and devotee is observed during the monthly and yearly Shivratri, culminates into joyous fervour and strengthens the ideals of Hinduism. The only restriction is that devotees are not allowed to wear any leather apparel into the inner sanctum, to avoid the displeasure of Lord Nandi, the 'vahana' (deity's mount) of Lord Shiva. This temple assimilates inspiration from the cosmic 'panchabhuta' (five elements), manifested as 'prithvi' (earth), 'jal' (water), 'agni' (fire), 'vayu' (air) and 'akasha' (ether), into the structure, design and layout of the temple. The 'vimana' (tower above the sanctum) has unobstructed exposure for ether, the 4 sides of the 'mandapam' (temple pavilion) open to indicate air, water unceasingly dripping on the 'Shivling' (mark of Lord Shiva), the temple built on earth and 4 'kuthuvilakku' always lit around the inner sanctum to identify fire. There are 2 'Shivling' in this temple; one is the auspicious Bana lingam, hailing from holy Narmada River, which has been consecrated at the inner sanctum. The other 'Shivling' was mystically discovered in a pond at Taiping's picturesque Lake Garden, by a Hindu soldier in the late 1950's. Many miracles have occurred at this temple, but the most palpable spiritual occurrence took place during the onset of the tin mining boom. The temple land was acquired by a tin mining company, and soon after the temple was requested to vacate. However as soon as the excavation machine came close to the temple courtyard, it broke down, and was beyond repair, thus the temple was left unperturbed. The auspicious days of Pradosham and monthly Shivratri are celebrated with much anticipation at this temple. Pious devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Nandi, can sometimes hear grunting and heavy breathing, perceived to be the presence of Lord Shiva's 'vahana', ethereally manifesting to counsel and bless Lord Shiva's followers. Many devotees dreamt of Lord Nandi blessing them with peace and prosperity, especially after attending temple festivals or holy fasts. The virtuous devotees of this temple vehemently declare that the presence of Lord Shiva is resolute here as many people have heard the 'damaru' (musical instrument) sound whilst meditating at this temple. The sound from the 'damaru' represents the cosmic heartbeat of the universe, hence construed as Lord Shiva's vibrational 'shakti' (divine energy) has been embedded on this sanctified area. The presence of the enchanting 'naga' as the anointed guardian is one of the mystical feature of this temple. Many devotees have dreamt of a 'naga' coiled around the 'Shivling' in the inner sanctum, signifying its presence as the divine custodian for this temple. Another charming characteristic of this temple, whereby pleasingly involving rituals for Lord Shiva to rest in solitude. After concluding hymns for Lord Shiva to sleep, a miniature bed, along with pillow, bed sheet, wooden slipper and walking stick is positioned suitably at the inner sanctum, just before the inner sanctum doors are secured for the night. These rituals are considered an affectionate custom that signifies adoration for the deity, Lord Shiva. Address: Lot 1948, Jalan Medan Taiping 7, Taman Medan Taiping, Taiping. Email: sdstaiping@gmail.com