Nattukottai Chettiar Temple

The Nattukottai Chettiar Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Penang. dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan. Followers of Lord Murugan hails mainly from Tamil Nadu and consists mostly of Chettiars - once a community of traders, money lenders and merchant bankers. The main festival surrounding this location and the worship of Lord Murugan is Thaipusam (normally in the month of January or February). Followers bear kavadis, pierce their bodies with hooks and skewers as an act of faith or atonement. A silver chariot bearing the idol of Lord Murugan can be seen to and from the temple on the first and last day of this three day festival (the route is between the Mahamariamman Temple, Queen Street to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, Waterfall Road)