Saturday 14 November 2009 Arulmigu Sannasimalai Andavar Temple Cheng Malacca

This harmoniously divine temple has its origins intricately belonging to a mysterious 'jeeva samadhi' (spiritual tomb) of an unknown Hindu saint from India. Upon entering the premise of the temple, you will feel the spiritual energy reverberating from the 'jeeva samadhi' wafting fragrantly throughout this holy place, as though allowing devotees to breathe gallons of 'moksha' (self-realisation of the soul). This saint is thought to have come from India, and had settled in this part of Malacca, almost 120 years ago. According to the historical archives of the temple, the saint practised a daily worship of a Shiva Lingam, and meditated on a nearby hill, hence the origin of the temple's name, which translates as the saint's hill. As 'abisekham' (pouring of libations) for the Shiva Lingam, the saint had daily obtained fresh milk from a cowherd. Strangely one day, a cow and calf appeared at the saint's premise, and thereafter provided the essential milk for the 'abisekham'. Although the cow and its calf have long passed away, a sculpture in remembrance of these divine creatures has been enshrined in the temple. As the saint was knowledgeable and skilled in herbal medicine, he was always sought by people of the surrounding areas, to cure ailments that modern medicine could not remedy. Amongst his devotees, was an Indian of 'Nattukotai Chettiar' ancestry, who tended to the needs of the holy saint. This man donated the land whereby the temple sits currently, and was also responsible for establishing the 'jeeva samadhi' for the saint. Before attaining 'jeeva samadhi' the saint handed over the Shiva Lingam to the Indian man, and ordained him to perform the necessary spiritual rites for the Shiva Lingam. Soon the Indian man established a temple for the Shiva Lingam, but consecrated the temple as a Lord Muruga temple, hence invoking the grace of Lord Shiva's holy son, Lord Muruga. Many devotees have witnessed a vision of a golden hued, youthful Lord Muruga, smiling dazzlingly from the inner sanctum of the temple, beckoning devotees to receive his vibrant 'darshan' (spiritual grace). The blessings of Lord Muruga are apparent here, with the sudden appearance of a peacock, which is known to be Lord Muruga's vehicle. The temple authorities contacted the Malacca zoo, inquiring is there was a missing peacock, but the zoo management indicated otherwise. The sudden appearance of the peacock at the temple, without anyone in sight, has prompted many devotees to belief that this is a divine blessing from Lord Muruga. During Masi Magam festival, Hindu devotees from all over Malaysia will make a pilgrimage to the Sannasimalai Andavar Temple. The two-day festival will begin with the journey of a silver chariot bearing a statue of Lord Murugan adorned with flowers, fruits, and adornment. The spiritual journey will start from Malacca's oldest Hindu temple, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple. The 8km journey to Cheng, will be trailed behind by frenzied barefoot devotees, some breaking coconuts, others carrying 'pal kudam' (milk container) on their heads as a sign of gratitude. Most of these devotees are completing a vow made to Lord Murugan, requesting his spiritual blessings for achieving good wealth, health and happiness.