More than a place of worship, this temple – founded in 1922 – has become a landmark of cultural heritage, architecture and unity. Uniquely, its walls, floors and ceilings are adorned with nearly 300,000 pieces of colourful glass.
In 2010, the Malaysia Book of Records recognised Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman as the nation’s first glass temple. But behind this stunning beauty lies a remarkable story of a young man who chose an unexpected path, driven by a desire to continue his family’s three-generation legacy.
S Maheshwara was an outstanding student who achieved 10As for SPM and went on to become a top graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Business Management from the University of Reading Malaysia.
Now 26, he has assumed the role of temple treasurer and acts as the primary coordinator for its numerous religious and logistical affairs.
“I received several job offers from corporate firms, including in Singapore. But there was an ‘invisible hand’ that seemed to pull me back to this temple. I knew this was my life path,” he told Bernama recently at the temple located on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.
For Maheshwara, the decision to turn down high-income career opportunities was not a loss; rather, it is a form of devotion to his faith, family and community.
“Some may see my choice as irrational, but for me, this is the most meaningful way to contribute. I am not doing this for money; this is my form of worship,” he noted.
Now managed by his 59-year-old father, temple chairman S Sinnathamby, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman has undergone extensive renovation since 2020. This included the reconstruction of the gopuram (temple tower) and the replacing of almost all the faded original mosaic glass.
“We have replaced about 90% of the old glass with new materials imported from Thailand and China. It was not an easy task as the process is highly meticulous, with each piece of glass holding its own unique significance,” Maheshwara explained.
The restoration, which cost nearly RM2 million, was finally completed in March last year after a two-year delay due to the pandemic. It was a worthwhile wait: the temple now shines more brilliantly than before.
Maheshwara added that the renovations were scheduled to avoid disrupting daily prayers. This commitment often required him and his team to work well into the night, an effort driven by their singular goal – to preserve the temple’s sanctity and beauty.
With Deepavali celebrated tomorrow, he and his team are busy with final preparations to welcome the thousands of Hindu devotees expected to offer prayers at the temple.
In keeping with tradition, the management will provide free vegetarian meals to all visitors, irrespective of their race or religion – a practice in harmony with the spirit of unity embodied by Deepavali.
“The light of Deepavali doesn’t just come from lamps or glass. It comes from the compassion, values, and unity we build together,” Maheshwara concluded.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1,
Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Contact: 012-475 9270