Sri Muniswarar Temple

Where a sacred tree revered by Tamil pioneers still stands

The temple is built near where the first Indian settlers of Prai began clearing mangrove forests after landing at the Prai River in the 1870s. It began as a small shrine and is dedicated to the Tamil folk god Muniswarar. 

An interesting aspect is a tree from 150 years ago that has been preserved in the temple. The first Indian workers from the EIC built a trident spear as a sacred protection at that tree before they began clearing the jungles. Gradually a temple was developed around the tree which still exists here till today.

Originally known as Sri Muniandy Temple, the temple was established by a group of Indian immigrants working with the East India Company. Today the rebuilt temple along Jalan Baru is known to attract a constant stream of car owners, including many Chinese and non-Hindus, to have their cars blessed by the temple priest.

In front of the main altar stands Madurai Veeran a godly hero with a sword in one hand. There two white horses and a dog beside him. Devotees in the olden days believed that he used to roam the areas at night after midnight on his white horse with the sword and a cigar in his mouth, a turban on his head and attired like an ancient Indian prince.