Kota Baru's oldest Hindu temple draws devotees on Deepavali

KOTA BARU: The 22-year-old Arulmigu Sivasubramaniyar Alayam temple, considered the oldest Hindu temple in the district, continues to attract devotees as they celebrate Deepavali. The temple, located in Jalan Hamzah, opened its doors to visitors from 7 am, anticipating around 100 families for the day. Established in 2004, the temple has been a significant center for the local Hindu community for over two decades.

Deepavali is a time when devotees gather to offer prayers and fulfill their religious vows, according to temple president Datuk Subramaniam Nacihaippan.

The foundation stone of the temple was laid by the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, former Kelantan Menteri Besar. Today, the temple's priests, Annamalai Tamilselvan, 64, and Annamalai Subbiah, 50, conducted the morning prayers until 1 pm, followed by special prayers for devotees seeking to fulfill their wishes in the evening from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Deepavali is not only a time for prayer but also for family reunions and the continuation of religious traditions. Dr Navanithan Ramakrishnan, who traveled from Kuala Lumpur to celebrate with his family in Kota Baru, emphasized that the family's visit was both a celebration and an opportunity to seek blessings. Resident R. Hareetaran, along with his family, also made an annual pilgrimage to the temple during Deepavali, using the occasion to introduce his young son to Hindu practices and ensure the tradition endures for generations.

For many devotees, the temple is more than a place of worship; it is a gathering point for the Hindu community in Kelantan, fostering family bonds and seeking blessings for the year ahead.