By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 21: The long-awaited Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Rock is nearing completion and is expected to open early next year, with its majestic Raja Gopuram (main entrance tower) set to be the tallest in Borneo.
The temple association president Datuk Shankar Ram Asnani said construction works are now in their final phase, with only the shrines and installation of deities left before the consecration ceremony.
“The temple is actually close to completion. It’s only the shrines left, and we are waiting for the deities to come from India.
“Then, we have a lot of rituals to perform, so it will be at least three months before we start the consecration ceremony,” he told reporters when met during his Diwali open house at King’s Curry restaurant in Jalan Petanak yesterday (Oct 20).
He added that the consecration ceremony could likely take place around January or February next year, depending on the arrival of the deities from India.
Based on previous reports, one of the main features of the temple will be the six-storey, 600-tonne Raja Gopuram, which will feature over 100 deities once fully completed.
The main shrine will be dedicated to Sri Maha Mariamman, the mother goddess revered for her nurturing and protective nature.
Shankar added that the project, costing over RM4 million, received strong support from the Sarawak government, which contributed about RM3 million, while the remaining funds were raised through public donations.
Turning to the Diwali celebration, Shankar, who is also a senior lawyer, said the festival goes beyond religion and serves as a reminder of unity and goodness over evil.
“Diwali is celebrated throughout India—not only by Hindus but also by Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and even Muslims,” he said.
He added that despite being the smallest minority in Sarawak, the Indian community has always felt at home in the State.
“It is not about tolerating people. You must love people. Integrate properly, mix with others and build relationships no matter what race or creed,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, his wife Datin Karishma Shankar Asnani said guests at the open house were treated to authentic Indian dishes including Lamb Rogan Josh, a cashew- and almond-based Kashmiri curry, and a yogurt-based chicken curry, alongside Indian street food such as Pani Puri.
“I wanted guests to experience the feeling of eating Indian street food like Pani Puri, just like we would have it in India,” she said.
— DayakDaily
