The Waterfall Temple in Penang, Malaysia is one of the oldest Hindu temples outside of India. It is the largest Lord Murugan temple outside of India. Visitors must climb 513 stairs to reach the temple, which is an important site for the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. The temple's architecture and design were crafted by Indian artisans and are inspired by ancient South Indian temple designs from the Chola and Pallava periods, featuring an ornate gopuram tower, intricately carved pillars, and a wood-carved door imported from Tamil Nadu.

1. INTRODUCTION
Picture 1 : Waterfall Temple , Penang.
The Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, better known
as the Waterfall Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples
in Penang. The main deity of this temple is Murugan.
Visitors need to climb 513 stairs to reach the temple. It is
the focal point of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in
Malaysia, after the Batu Caves. It has been touted as the
largest Lord Murugan temple outside India.
SHE 101 : Ethnic Relations
RAJAGOPURAM
( King of Temple Tower )
❖ The main gateway of a Hindu
temple is about 21.6m in
height which is equivalent to
a seven-storey high building.
❖ Rajagopurams are
embellished with multi-tier
statues of deities with a
variety of themes derived
from the Hindu mythology.
❖ The Maha Mandapam
surrounds the garbhagriha, or
sanctum sanctorum, where
the image of Murugan is
placed.
❖ The Maha Mandapam is
supported by rows of
intricately carved pillars.
❖ A Rajagopura usually ornate
with odd number of kalasa on
top.
Picture 6 : Rajagopuram of
the temple in site.
Picture 7 : Example of
gopuram with ‘kalasa’ on top.
DESIGN ON THE DOOR OF TEMPLE
❖ The temple are using solid door.
❖ An 18-ft high crafted teak wood
door and the design follow has
been natural element will be a
special feature at this temple.
❖ The door of temple are export
from Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu,
India.
Picture 4 : Design on the door of temple.
DESIGN ON THE OVERALL OF TEMPLE
❖ The design inspired from the era of the Chola and Pallava
kingdoms of India.
❖ The crafting was by indian artisans from south India.
❖ The outcome design was a beautifully prayer hall almost
identical to ancient temple in south India.
❖ The pattern is unique spiritual-dedicated ‘Muruga’, a Tamil
God who represents embodiment of peace and serenity.
DESIGN OF THE LOTUS FLOWER
❖ The lotus is the foremost symbol of beauty, prosperity
and fertility.
❖ According to Hinduism, within each human is the spirit
of the sacred lotus.
❖ As we know, lotus grow in muddy place but it is
unaffected by the mud. So, it brings the meaning of
purity in mind untouched by evil forces.
Picture 5 : The design inspired from the era of India via the structure
of the building and design on the lotus flower.
SYMMETRY IN BUILDINGS OF TEMPLE
The floor plan layout of Hindu temple's
are relatively the same throughout. It
follows a geometrical design based on
circle and squares that revolves around
the sanctum/shrine which is called
vastu-purusha-mandela. Layouts are
symetrical that cuts through the Y-axis
of the floor plan. Besides that the floor
plan follows set of grid system 8x8(64)
that shows different grids have their
specifications.
❖ The shrine or sanctum is located in
the middle where the devotees can
circle around it during prayers.
❖ Square is considered as a devine
shape of perfection while circle is
considered earthly human and
observed in everyday life (moon, sun,
horizon, water drop and rainbow).
Picture 2 : The floor plan.
Picture 3 : Combined shape
of squares turs into a circle