DEEPAVALI: TOP GRADUATE CHOOSES FAMILY LEGACY AT MALAYSIA'S FIRST GLASS TEMPLE

By Mohamad Syazwan Mustafa

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 18 (Bernama) – Every year, as Deepavali approaches, the radiant lights and shimmering glass mosaic of the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple illuminate the town of Johor Bahru, evoking a profound sense of peace and wonder among visitors from all walks of life.

More than just a place of worship, this unique temple, founded in 1922, has become a landmark of cultural heritage, architecture and unity.

Its walls, floors, and ceilings are adorned with nearly 300,000 pieces of colourful glass, a feature which secured its place in the Malaysia Book of Records in 2010 as the nation's first glass temple.

Behind this stunning beauty lies a remarkable story of a young man who chose an unexpected path, driven not by profit but by a desire to continue his family's three-generation legacy.

That young man is 26-year-old S Maheshwara, an outstanding student who achieved 10As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and went on to graduate as a top student with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Business Management from the University of Reading Malaysia.

“I received several job offers from corporate firms, including in Singapore. But there was an ‘invisible hand’ that seemed to pull me back to this temple. I knew this was my life path,” he told Bernama during a recent interview at the temple, located on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

For Maheshwara, the decision to turn down high-income career opportunities was not a loss, but rather a form of devotion to his faith, his family, and community.

He has assumed the role of temple treasurer and acts as the primary coordinator for its numerous religious and logistical affairs.

"Some may see my choice as irrational, but for me, this is the most meaningful way to contribute. I am not doing this for money; this is my form of worship," he said.

The temple, now managed by his 59-year-old father, S Sinnathamby, chairman of the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, has undergone extensive renovation since 2020, which included the reconstruction of the gopuram (temple tower) and replacing nearly all the faded original mosaic glass. 

"We have replaced about 90 per cent of the old glass with new materials imported from Thailand and China. It is not an easy task, as the process is highly meticulous, with each piece of glass holding its own unique significance," he explained.

The restoration, which cost nearly RM2 million, was finally completed in March last year after a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a worthwhile wait, however, as the temple now shines more brilliantly than before.

Maheshwara shared that the renovations were scheduled to avoid disrupting daily prayers. This commitment often required him and his team to work well into the night, an effort driven by their singular goal: to preserve the temple's sanctity and beauty.

Now, with Deepavali celebrations approaching this Monday, Maheshwara and his team are busy with final preparations to welcome the thousands of Hindu devotees expected to offer prayers at the temple.

In keeping with the temple's tradition, the management will provide free vegetarian meals to all visitors, irrespective of their race or religion, a practice in harmony with the spirit of unity embodied by Deepavali.

"The light of Deepavali doesn't just come from lamps or glass. It comes from the compassion, values, and unity we build together," he emphasised. 

-- BERNAMA