GEORGE TOWN: With the rising sun and Komtar tower in the background, a sea of worshippers gathered at the 111-year-old Arulmigu Sri Kamatchi Amman Devasthanam in Jalan Dato Keramat to witness its long-awaited Maha Kumbabishegam (consecration ceremony).
The temple pulsed with energy and renewed devotion, echoing with chants by devotees who came to witness the sacred consecration ritual, seeking blessings from the resident deity Sri Kamatchi Amman.
Devotees gathered as early as 6am yesterday, carrying trays of colourful flowers, coconuts and other offerings, filling the air with the smell of incense as priests conducted prayers that lasted about two hours.
As holy water was poured over the gopuram (ornate tower) and temple structures, devotees raised their hands in prayer, believing the ritual would bring abundance, prosperity, peace and overall well-being.
For the Viswakarma community in Penang, the ceremony also carried deep cultural importance, marking the temple’s fifth consecration since its establishment in 1914.
Temple chairman MK Veerapathiran said about RM1mil was spent on the temple’s makeover that took three years to complete.
He said the consecration was held after 21 years as the temple underwent its 100th anniversary celebration in 2014, followed by repairs and renovations which had delayed the consecration ceremony.
Veerapathiran said daily prayers would continue for the next 48 days before culminating in a chariot procession at 6pm on Jan 18.
Among those present was flower seller S. Kandiah, 67, who attended the ceremony in a wheelchair with his wife S. Saratha, 62, by his side.
Despite losing both his legs after years of battling diabetes, Kandiah said his faith remained unshaken and attending the ceremony was his way of expressing gratitude.
“I have been diabetic for over 25 years. Doctors had no choice but to amputate both my legs but my willpower remains strong.
“I am here to thank the Goddess for guiding my family and for the blessings we still have in life.
“The temple has been a part of my life since I was young and being able to witness this consecration again means a lot to me,” he added.
Another devotee, M. Prakash, 39, said returning to witness the ceremony was deeply meaningful for him.
“I feel happy and blessed to witness this auspicious ceremony for the second time.
“The last time I was only 18. Today, I’m here with my wife and daughter, and it feels like life has come a full circle.
“Standing here again reminds me of how far we’ve come and the blessings we continue to receive,” he said.
