Thaipusam in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 

In the  late of  18th century in Sabah(British North Borneo) Hindu community in Sabah had no common place of worship such as temple. The need to have a temple became more intense as the community increased with the formation of Malaysia. 

In 1969 a committee was set up to look into this matter.  In 1970, Sri Subramaniar Temple was constructed  with the efforts of the Hindu soldiers led by Lt. Satchidanandha and civilian support. At that point, The temple building was nothing than a semi-permanent structure with zinc sheet roofing. A hall was also constructed for serving of “pirastaham” and to serve a function hall. Prayers were conducted regularly although there was no resident priest.

Current temple building was built in 90’s.

Getting There

The journey to Sri Subramaniar temple, Camp Lok Kawi takes 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, the estimated distance is 20 kilometers. For transportation, visitors can either drive or take a taxi from the city centre. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road.

Sri Subramaniar Temple is one of the famous temples among Hindu's in Sabah apart from Sri Pasupathinath Temple, Kota Kinabalu. Celebration of Thaipusam indeed a grand event in Sri Subramaniar Temple where most of Murugan's  Devotees from West Coast of Sabah will take the opportunity to gather  at this temple. 

Though  the celebration and crowd are considered small in Sri Subramaniar Temple, compare to Batu Caves,Selangor and Penang, yet it never loses the spiritual momentum. 

Devotees are preparing the kavadi 

 Entrance of  Sri Subramaniar Temple

 Devoteed are preparing the silver churns containing milk as offering to Lord Murugan either by hand or in huge decorated carriers on their shoulders called 'kavadi' as below. 

The unique structure may be a simple design with wooden arched semi-circular supports holding a carrier foisted with brass or clay pots of milk.

The Kavadi's are also usually decorated with colorful flowers and peacock feathers.

The process of carrying a Kavadi can be exhausting and tiring but devotees make it a point to finish the journey which can take hours depending on the size of the Kavadi and also the strength of the devotee.