Thousands of devotees gathering at the glass temple for its consecration ceremony. — Photos by THOMAS YONG/The Star
THOUSANDS braved the scorching sun to witness the kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) of the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman temple in Johor Baru.
Devotees of all ages were seen gathering at the country’s one and only glass temple earlier this month.
Some arrived at sunrise to take part in the special ceremony.
Temple secretary A. Vimala said the ritual was performed by Hindu temples every 12 years after the completion of renovation works.
Vimala says about RM2mil was raised for the renovation.
“The ceremony was supposed to be held every 12 years, but we had to postpone it because renovation works had to be put on pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The last consecration ceremony we had was in 2009, which was also attended by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, when he was the Tunku Mahkota Johor.
“This is the second consecration ceremony we have held since the building was turned into a glass temple,” she said, adding that the temple renovation cost about RM2mil.
She added that the temple managed to collect its own funds for the renovation.
“The work was made possible thanks to donations we received from devotees, as we did not receive any state or federal funds.
“The renovations this time included replacing glass pieces and wiring work.
“Some of the idols were also replaced with new ones,” she said.
Vimala hopes the state will promote the beautiful building, which is unique to Johor, as a tourist attraction.
“With Visit Johor Year approaching, we hope the state government will do more to promote the glass temple.
“We also hope the state or Federal government will help upgrade the road at the entrance of this temple as it is very narrow and flood-prone,” she said.
Vimala said tour buses could drive up to the temple due to the narrow road and were forced to park far from the building.
Pahral is glad to be able to attend the special ceremony.
Customer service consultant S. Pahral, 30, who was among over 2,000 devotees attending the ceremony here, said he was glad to be there.
“I have been coming to the temple since I was young and have seen its development from a normal building into a glass temple.
“Johor folk are lucky, as we have the only glass temple in Malaysia. I am glad the renovation was carried out,” he said.
Accountant M. Geethapriya, 20, said the consecration ceremony was very special to her as she knew the challenges that went into making the renovation a success.
“This temple is very close to my heart. I have been volunteering here since I was 13 and I consider it my second home.
“I know the challenges that come along with making this ceremony and the renovation possible,” she said, adding there were devotees who donated monthly to help with funds for the renovation.
