PENANG, Malaysia, January 1, 2026 (The Star): Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered at the Vinayagar kovil, the Ganesha temple on Waterfall Road in Penang, for a Maha Kumbabishegam consecration ceremony marking the completion of a major restoration. Long regarded as the first point of prayer for pilgrims before ascending to the hilltop Murugan temple, the shrine has for decades been a place where worshippers seek the removal of obstacles before continuing their spiritual journey. Built in 1951 by the Hindu Mahajana Sangam, founded by Penang’s waterfront laborers, the temple holds deep historical and devotional significance for the local Hindu community.

From early morning, devotees of all ages streamed into the temple carrying puja trays and garlands, filling the grounds and sanctum as priests conducted fire rituals and chanted sacred mantras. During the consecration, priests climbed scaffolding around the gopuram and other structures to pour theertham, or sacred water, over the assembled crowd. As the holy water rained down, devotees reached out to receive it, many touching it to their foreheads as a symbol of renewal. The ceremony marked the beginning of a 48-day Mandala Abishegam, a period of intensified daily worship following the reconsecration.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2026/01/01/thousands-gather-for-penang-temple-consecration

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