Latest news with #SriMahaMariammanTemple
Borneo Post
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hold more interfaith gatherings to foster harmony — Dr Annuar
(From left) Dr Annuar being briefed by Manogaran on the newly-built Sri Mahariamman Temple. SIBU (Aug 11): Religious organisations should hold more interfaith gatherings to further strengthen harmony among people of different beliefs, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. The state Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development suggested that Sri Maha Mariamman Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy host an interfaith Deevapali celebration involving about 500 people at the new temple at Jalan Orchid here. 'In Sarawak, religious harmony is well exemplified, particularly in Sibu along Jalan Awang Ramli Amit, where a church, a mosque, and Sikh and Hindu temples coexist, fostering mutual respect among people of various faiths,' said the Nangka assemblyman when met after presenting a Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Adding on, Dr Annuar said such events would encourage people of different religions to visit the temple, enhance mutual understanding, and promote both racial and religious unity. He also noted that other places of worship, such as the Al-Qadim Mosque, had welcomed visitors from various faiths. Prior to the visit, Dr Annuar also presented an MRP grant to Gurdwara Sahib Sibu. Dr Annuar Rapaee inter-racial harmony interfaith gathering
The Star
22-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Decades of faith and hard work transform Sibu's Hindu temple.
A ONCE modest house of worship has now blossomed into a grand cultural and spiritual landmark for the Hindu community in Sibu. The newly completed Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, built at a cost of RM2mil, stands not just as a place of prayer but as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage and hope for generations to come. The temple's origins date back to 1920, when it began as a humble hut. In 1971, it moved into a double-storey building donated by the late Soma Sundram. That house and its surrounding land were generously gifted for religious use – a gesture that laid the foundation for the temple's enduring legacy. Manogaran (fifth from left) leading a mini-procession around the temple. Today, after more than a decade of tireless work, community support and government funding, the temple has undergone a complete transformation. Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy, who took over its management in 2012, described the journey as both challenging and deeply rewarding. 'This temple is built on new ground, literally and spiritually. It is the first Hindu temple in Sibu constructed under the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the Indian community,' said Manogaran, a retired police sergeant. 'It follows traditional Hindu customs, from the statues to the prayers – it mirrors what you would see in Peninsular Malaysia or even India.' The transformation didn't happen overnight. A large crowd of devotees at the consecration of the temple. 'It took years of fundraising, administrative work and sheer determination. Between 2018 and 2024, major construction and decorative work was completed with support from the Sarawak government and the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which contributed nearly RM400,000. Further help came from local philanthropists and timber businessmen who donated wooden materials valued at over RM120,000. 'Without the support of our elected representatives and the local Chinese and Iban communities, this temple would not exist in its current form,' Manogaran said. 'I am especially grateful to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee for their belief in our vision.' The temple consecration ceremony is steeped in tradition. Initially, 10 skilled workers from India were involved in the project but as it neared completion, only four remained. 'Each worker earns a salary ranging from RM3,000 to RM4,000. 'Yes, they are skilled workers, which is why they all have certificates,' Manogaran explained. He said 16 stone sculptures were brought in from India at a cost of nearly RM22,000 for transport, while 63 statues were built on site by the specialist workers. The temple was consecrated on July 7 in a ceremony that featured 48 days of prayers and the participation of over 30 priests from India and Peninsular Malaysia. Looking ahead, the temple committee has set its sights on an even more ambitious goal: to hold Sibu's first-ever Thaipusam celebration next year. 'In Penang, Thaipusam draws people from all over the world. It's more than a religious event – it becomes a multicultural gathering,' said Manogaran. Musical instruments formed an integral part of the consecration ceremony. 'We hope to replicate that spirit here in Sibu. Our vision is to make it a memorable and inclusive festival that also draws tourists.' Plans are already under way for a local religious procession, with hopes that it could evolve into an annual cultural highlight for Sibu. While traditional chariots pulled by bulls – as seen in Peninsular Malaysia – are impractical in Sibu, the committee is exploring creative alternatives such as airport trolleys to symbolically carry the deity during the parade. In addition to Thaipusam, the temple plans to celebrate other major Hindu festivals like Navaratri, ensuring year-round spiritual activity. The temple is open daily from 7am to 10am and 6pm to 10pm, with a full-time priest from Peninsular Malaysia stationed there to conduct daily rituals. A boy being lifted up by his parents to witness the divine blessings of Goddess Mariamman at the temple. In time, there are plans to open the temple to members of the public with fixed visiting hours. Beyond its religious role, the temple also aspires to serve the wider community. Manogaran hopes to raise funds for a temple van, which could be used to transport devotees or assist in charitable work such as ferrying the sick to hospitals. Still, challenges remain as further work is needed to improve the temple's uneven grounds – but Manogaran remains optimistic. 'Many people have served this community for decades but couldn't achieve this. I've been here just seven or eight years and one day decided: it's time we had a proper temple. With faith and unity, everything is possible.' The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple today is not only a place of worship, it is a living monument to interfaith cooperation, community resilience and cultural preservation. As it prepares to host its first Thaipusam festival next year, Sibu's Hindu community, numbering between 300 and 400 people, has every reason to be proud.
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Hundreds attend inauguration of new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Sibu (Video)
Manogaran (third left), Sangapoosan (fifth left), and others in a group photo. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 7): Hundreds of Hindu devotees converged on the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Orchid here today for its inauguration. The drizzle did not dampen their spirits throughout the ceremony. Among those present were temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy, Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu, and Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Sangapoosan T Ganesan. Photo shows the short procession. — Photo by Peter Boon Manogaran told The Borneo Post the initial plan was to hold the opening ceremony yesterday. 'However, that date wasn't quite 'ideal' for us. Therefore, we chose July 7 instead, as it's considered an auspicious day according to the Indian calendar,' he explained. There was a short procession on the temple's compound before the devotees proceeded into the house of worship itself and took part in prayers. The new temple was elaborately decorated by artisans from India. — Photo by Peter Boon Construction on the temple had been hit by a four-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During an interview with The Borneo Post last month, Manogaran said the original temple was built in 1920. 'It was just a small hut back then. This present building was established in 1971.' Prayers are held on top of the temple. — Photo by Peter Boon Manogaran also pointed out the construction cost nearly amounted to RM2 million, up from the initial RM1.1 million due to rising building material costs and also wages. 'The current double-storey building of the temple would be repurposed. 'We need to use the top floor as a hall, while the ground floor will be for the priest's accommodation and other related purposes,' he said, adding the building has significant historical and cultural value. Devotees join the prayer session inside the new temple building. — Photo by Borhaniza Ali Basah Jalan Orchid lead Manogaran Krishnasamy Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Malay Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sibu's new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple undergoes final touch-ups, on schedule to open on July 7 (VIDEO)
SIBU, June 12 — Construction work on the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Orchid here is almost completed with only final touch-ups remaining. Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy said everything is expected to be completed by the end of this month, in time for the opening on July 7. 'The construction work was delayed for about four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful that the temple is nearly complete, accommodating around 400 devotees in Sibu. 'In light of this, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sarawak government, through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), for their significant assistance, as well as to the public and everyone who has contributed in various ways,' he told The Borneo Post at the site today. The new ornate building is situated next to the existing temple. 'The temple was built in 1920, which was just a small hut back then. Later on, this existing building was built in 1971,' said Manogaran. He pointed out the cost of construction was nearly RM2 million from the initial RM1.1 million due to rising building material costs and wages. Skilled workers from India were involved in the temple's intricate design. — The Borneo Post pic Initially, 10 skilled workers from India were involved in the project but as it nears completion, only four remain. 'Each worker earns a salary ranging from RM3,000 to RM4,000. Yes, they are skilled workers, which is why they all have certificates,' he explained. Manogaran said 16 stone sculptures were recently brought in from India. 'The shipping expenses amounted to nearly RM22,000 for transporting these statues from there to here,' he said. He added 63 statues were already built in the temple by the specialist workers. On July 3-7, there will be a final prayer session involving some 30 priests, including six from India. 'For this final prayer session, we estimate to spend almost RM150,000 for expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and other related expenses. That's the reason we require further assistance from Unifor or other organisations. 'This will be followed by the 48-day prayers; each day will cost around RM2,000 totalling RM96,000, which is separate from the expenses of the final prayer,' Manogaran said. The current temple building is seen framed by the new archway. — The Borneo Post pic The current double-storey building accommodating the temple will be repurposed. 'We need to use the top floor as a hall and the ground floor will be for the priest's accommodation and related purposes. So, for now, we don't have any plan yet to knock it down. 'Moreover, the building is of significant historical and cultural importance, having been constructed in 1971,' he added. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sibu's new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple undergoes final touch-ups, on schedule to open on July 7
(Front from second left) Manogaran and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple deputy president Vijayakumar R pose with others in front of the new temple's main entrance. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 12): Construction work on the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Orchid here is almost completed with only final touch-ups remaining. Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy said everything is expected to be completed by the end of this month, in time for the opening on July 7. 'The construction work was delayed for about four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful that the temple is nearly complete, accommodating around 400 devotees in Sibu. 'In light of this, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sarawak government, through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), for their significant assistance, as well as to the public and everyone who has contributed in various ways,' he told The Borneo Post at the site today. The new ornate building is situated next to the existing temple. 'The temple was built in 1920, which was just a small hut back then. Later on, this existing building was built in 1971,' said Manogaran. He pointed out the cost of construction was nearly RM2 million from the initial RM1.1 million due to rising building material costs and wages. Skilled workers from India were involved in the temple's intricate design. — Photo by Peter Boon Initially, 10 skilled workers from India were involved in the project but as it nears completion, only four remain. 'Each worker earns a salary ranging from RM3,000 to RM4,000. Yes, they are skilled workers, which is why they all have certificates,' he explained. Manogaran said 16 stone sculptures were recently brought in from India. 'The shipping expenses amounted to nearly RM22,000 for transporting these statues from there to here,' he said. He added 63 statues were already built in the temple by the specialist workers. On July 3-7, there will be a final prayer session involving some 30 priests, including six from India. 'For this final prayer session, we estimate to spend almost RM150,000 for expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and other related expenses. That's the reason we require further assistance from Unifor or other organisations. 'This will be followed by the 48-day prayers; each day will cost around RM2,000 totalling RM96,000, which is separate from the expenses of the final prayer,' Manogaran said. The current temple building is seen framed by the new archway. – Photo by Peter Boon The current double-storey building accommodating the temple will be repurposed. 'We need to use the top floor as a hall and the ground floor will be for the priest's accommodation and related purposes. So, for now, we don't have any plan yet to knock it down. 'Moreover, the building is of significant historical and cultural importance, having been constructed in 1971,' he added. Jalan Orchid lead Manogaran Krishnasamy Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
