The oldest Hindu temple in KL, founded in 1873 by the Tamil community brought to British Malaya as labourers. The current building dates from 1968 and the gopuram — the soaring polychrome gateway tower above the entrance — was added in 1972. It is encrusted with 228 statues of Hindu deities painted in vivid colours, and is one of the most photographed sights in Chinatown.
The temple is in active use; visitors are welcome to enter but must remove shoes and dress modestly. It is the starting point for the annual Thaipusam procession that ends 13 km north at Batu Caves — a remarkable sight if you happen to be in KL in late January or early February. Located at the southern end of Petaling Street, two minutes' walk from the Pasar Seni LRT station.