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MALACCA, MALAYSIA, December 12, 2005: Magical. This aptly describes the two-century-old Sri Subramaniar Thuropathai Amman temple in Gajah Berang, Malacca. Rebuilt recently, the consecration ceremony was held before dawn yesterday, accompanied by a fireworks display. More than 10,000 devotees gathered for the 6.45am ceremony which saw priests conducting prayers on the gopuram (the tower over the entrance to the temple) which is adorned with more than 1,500 stone sculptures. Among those present was insurance sales manager Peter Ho, 57, of Bukit Katil, who offered thanksgiving prayers with his son James, 30, although they are Buddhists. “We are here because all religions share similar values and it is important to respect each other,” said Ho. Devotee Rukumani Nathan, 67, of Ujong Pasir here, said the magnificence of the temple was testimony to the belief that “anything is possible when you pray.” The temple, which was built in the 17th century, is believed to be the largest Hindu temple in Malaysia and has been rebuilt in the likeness of the Madurai Meenachi Amman temple in Tamil Nadu, India.

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