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Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur
No. 3 Jalan Tebing, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil (1902) crowns Brickfields as Malaysia’s finest Saiva Siddhanta kovil, built by Ceylon Tamil administrators of the Federated Malay States Railways, with a 21-metre rajagopuram sculpted by Jaffna artisans, tiered gold kalashas, and an interior consecrated to Murugan (Kandaswamy) with granite-lined sanctum, teppakulam-style reflecting pool, and murals chronicling Nallur Kovil traditions ([1][2]). The kovil opens 5:30 AM-9:30 PM daily, offering six kala pujas, Vedic chanting, abhishekam, and annadhanam; Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam (Silver chariot), Navaratri, and Skanda Shasti anchor the calendar, while Sunday thiruppugazh classes, Sivaneri sangam, and Tamil vidyalayam serve the community. During Thaipusam, the temple dispatches Kuala Lumpur’s famed silver chariot to Batu Caves, mobilising 400 marshals, GPS-tracked convoy, real-time crowd updates, and recycling squads. Facilities include a heritage gallery, Tamil library, music and dance studios, wedding halls, vegetarian restaurant, counselling centre, dialysis support fund, and archives storing century-old kovil minute books. The kovil’s Ceylonese management publishes bilingual liturgical guides, organises interfaith dialogues, and supports Brickfields’ blind association through inclusive programmes ([1][3]).
Year Built
1902 CE
Period
Colonial Period
Architectural Style
Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences)
Built By
Ceylon Tamil Railway Workers and Trustees
Material Used
Granite, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Timber, Stucco, Copper, Reinforced Concrete, Clay Tile
Heritage Status
Gazetted National Heritage (2012); Brickfields Little India anchor
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur
overview
Overview data: 94% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil (1902) crowns Brickfields as Malaysia’s finest Saiva Siddhanta kovil, built by Ceylon Tamil administrators of the Federated Malay States Railways, with a 21-metre rajagopuram sculpted by Jaffna artisans, tiered gold kalashas, and an interior consecrated to Murugan (Kandaswamy) with granite-lined sanctum, teppakulam-style reflecting pool, and murals chronicling Nallur Kovil traditions ([1][2]). The kovil opens 5:30 AM-9:30 PM daily, offering six kala pujas, Vedic chanting, abhishekam, and annadhanam; Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam (Silver chariot), Navaratri, and Skanda Shasti anchor the calendar, while Sunday thiruppugazh classes, Sivaneri sangam, and Tamil vidyalayam serve the community. During Thaipusam, the temple dispatches Kuala Lumpur’s famed silver chariot to Batu Caves, mobilising 400 marshals, GPS-tracked convoy, real-time crowd updates, and recycling squads. Facilities include a heritage gallery, Tamil library, music and dance studios, wedding halls, vegetarian restaurant, counselling centre, dialysis support fund, and archives storing century-old kovil minute books. The kovil’s Ceylonese management publishes bilingual liturgical guides, organises interfaith dialogues, and supports Brickfields’ blind association through inclusive programmes ([1][3]).
Location
No. 3 Jalan Tebing, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(Kuala Lumpur)
Year Built
1902 CE
Heritage Status
Gazetted National Heritage (2012); Brickfields Little India anchor
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Daily 5:30 AM-9:30 PM; guided tours Sat 9:30 AM (booking); Tamil classes Sun 2:00 PM; counselling Wed/Thu evenings; vegetarian restaurant 7:00 AM-9:00 PM; library Tue-Sun 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Entry Fee
Entry free; guided tour RM20 donation; hall rental packages; chariot prayer booking RM50; restaurant meals RM8-12; photography permit RM20 inside mandapa.
Citation References
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil
Ceylonese Temple TrusteesAccessed 2025-11-09
National Heritage Department Dossier: Sri Kandaswamy Kovil
Jabatan Warisan NegaraAccessed 2025-11-09
Brickfields Heritage and Sustainability Report 2023
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala LumpurAccessed 2025-11-09
Heritage Status
Gazetted National Heritage (2012); Brickfields Little India anchor
Preservation Status
Excellent; 2023 engineering report confirms structural stability, effective damp-proofing, and well-maintained stucco. Silver chariot inspected annually with ultrasonic testing.
Historical Context
Temple founded 1890s as attap shrine; brick kovil completed 1902; expanded 1919; rajagopuram and silver chariot hall added 1936; post-war restorations 1950s; 1979 modernisation; 2004 mandapam; 2016 structural retrofits; 2021 digital archive. Temple sheltered wartime refugees and functioned as Brickfields education hub.
Architectural Details
Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences)
Colonial Period
Built by
Ceylon Tamil Railway Workers and Trustees
Materials
Granite, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Timber, Stucco, Copper, Reinforced Concrete, Clay Tile
Dimensions
Height21m
Width30m
Length65m
Area3500m²
Location Map
Featured Images
Restoration Work
Restorations 1936, 1979, 1998, 2004, 2016, 2019 included gopuram repainting, roof repairs, galvanic protection, electrics, and mural conservation.
Patronage
Ceylonese Temple Trustees of Kuala Lumpur (CTTKL)
Construction Technique
Initial structure (1902) used brick walls, lime plaster, and timber roof with imported teak beams; 1920s upgrades added granite sanctum and brass flagstaff. The rajagopuram (1936) features reinforced concrete core with lime plaster iconography. The 1979 renovation introduced reinforced concrete ring beams, concealed steel ties, and marble flooring. The temple’s kalyana mandapam (2004) uses RC frames with ornate columns. Craftsmanship by Sri Lankan sthapathis ensures adherence to Saiva Agamas; frescos depict Murugan’s six abodes using natural pigments. Conservation uses lime-based paints, stainless pins, and moisture monitoring.
Architectural Influences
3 items
Building Techniques
Building techniques include lime plaster sculpting, granite carving, teak joinery, brass plating of kalashas, mural restoration using casein binders, and silver chariot maintenance. A 2016 structural survey added steel ties to rafters and damp-proof courses. LED lighting installed 2019 replicates oil-lamp ambience. The temple’s digital archive uses 3D scanning for iconography, while heritage docents employ AR tours ([1][3]).
Coordinates
3.126300, 101.685600
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Security screening on festival days; shoe racks provided; signage in Tamil, English, Malay; volunteer assistance; audio guides available.","restrooms":"Restrooms, ablution stations, baby-care rooms; filtered water; showers for vows.","wheelchair_accessible":"Ramp entrance, lifts in mandapam block, portable ramps to mandapa, tactile markers, hearing loop seating."}
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
Visit early mornings for Vedic chanting; Thaipusam eve for silver chariot departure; Navaratri evenings for classical music and kolu displays; weekdays for guided heritage tours.
Seasonal Events
8 items
Visitor Restrictions
Dress modestly; remove footwear; no photography in sanctum without permission; vegetarian-only premises; follow marshals during processions; drones prohibited.
View Count
0
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created At
2025-11-09T07:45:36.673744+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-09T13:14:37.239+00:00
Quick Overview
📅
Built InColonial Period
📍
LocationKuala Lumpur
🏛️
StyleCeylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences)
🏆
StatusProtected Heritage
What is Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur?
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur is a historic Temple located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences) architectural masterpiece was built during the Colonial Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Malaysia. Sri Kandaswamy Kovil (1902) crowns Brickfields as Malaysia’s finest Saiva Siddhanta kovil, built by Ceylon Tamil administrators of the Federated Malay States Railways, with a 21-metre rajagopuram scul...
Category:
TempleLocation:
No. 3 Jalan Tebing, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kuala LumpurPeriod:
Colonial PeriodStyle:
Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences)Key Features of Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur
- 1Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences) architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using Granite, Brickwork, Lime Plaster, Timber, Stucco, Copper, Reinforced Concrete, Clay Tile, showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using Initial structure (1902) used brick walls, lime plaster, and timber roof with imported teak beams; 1920s upgrades added granite sanctum and brass flagstaff. The rajagopuram (1936) features reinforced concrete core with lime plaster iconography. The 1979 renovation introduced reinforced concrete ring beams, concealed steel ties, and marble flooring. The temple’s kalyana mandapam (2004) uses RC frames with ornate columns. Craftsmanship by Sri Lankan sthapathis ensures adherence to Saiva Agamas; frescos depict Murugan’s six abodes using natural pigments. Conservation uses lime-based paints, stainless pins, and moisture monitoring. construction methods
- 4Gazetted National Heritage (2012); Brickfields Little India anchor providing legal protection
- 5Commissioned by Ceylon Tamil Railway Workers and Trustees, reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Excellent; roofs waterproofed, murals sealed, damp-proof course functioning, drainage maintained, chariot hall climate-controlled.
Architectural Features
- 1Pyramidal tower (Vimana) with intricate sculptural decoration
- 2Rectangular sanctum (Garbhagriha) housing the main deity
- 3Columned halls (Mandapa) for congregation and rituals
- 4Ornate gateway (Gopuram) with carved figures
What Makes Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur Special?
- 1Exceptional example of Ceylon Tamil Saiva Temple Architecture (Dravidian with Jaffna Influences) architecture
- 2Royal patronage by Ceylon Tamil Railway Workers and Trustees, reflecting historical significance
- 3Embodies Ceylon Tamil heritage, linking Malayan rail history with Saiva rituals; archives document diaspora governance, education, and nation-building contributions.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur
| RMEntry Fee | Entry free; guided tour RM20 donation; hall rental packages; chariot prayer booking RM50; restaurant meals RM8-12; photography permit RM20 inside mandapa. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Complete Visitor Guide
How to Visit Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur is located in No. 3 Jalan Tebing, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The nearest major city is No. 3 Jalan Tebing. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 3.1263, 101.6856.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: Entry free; guided tour RM20 donation; hall rental packages; chariot prayer booking RM50; restaurant meals RM8-12; photography permit RM20 inside mandapa.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
- 4
Explore the Site
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Historical Timeline
Key Historical Events
Colonial Period
Construction of Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Brickfields Kuala Lumpur by Ceylon Tamil Railway Workers and Trustees
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Gazetted National Heritage (2012); Brickfields Little India anchor
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation