Balathandayuthapani Temple
The Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, also known as the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, is a Hindu temple within George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the hilltop temple, with its seven-storey 21.6 m-tall gopuram (main tower), has been touted as the largest Lord Murugan temple outside India. It is sited comparatively higher above ground than Batu Caves, with devotees having to climb over 500 steps to access the place of worship.
| Arulmigu Shree Balathandayuthapani Temple | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Murugan |
| Festivals | Thaipusam, Chitra Pournami, Kantha Sasti, Peria Karthigai and Aadi Pournami |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Jalan Kebun Bunga, George Town |
| State | Penang |
| Country | Malaysia |
Location within George Town | |
| Geographic coordinates | 5.434044°N 100.295807°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Dravidian architecture |
| Creator | Penang Hindu Endowment Board |
| Completed | 1782 |
| Temple(s) | 5 |
| Website | |
| www.waterfallmurugan.com | |
The temple is also a major focal point for the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia. Devotees would customarily embark on a pilgrimage from Lorong Kulit to the temple with offerings of milk pots, or while carrying the Vel Kavadis, considered the highest form of offering to Lord Murugan.