GEORGE TOWN, July 4 -- Back in 1801, early migrants from India who worked in the warehouse and shipping industry off Weld Quay set up a small shrine to seek the blessings of the Sri Maha Mariamman goddess.

The shrine was later rebuilt as a temple in 1833 and till today, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Queen Street has remained a centre of worship, cultural preservation and community life.

According to temple committee member, K. Jevaraj, the temple draws between 1,500 and 2,000 devotees each month.

"This is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang and we get between 40 to 50 visitors each day, some are local devotees and some are visitors," he told Malay Mail.

Carrying on traditions

He said the temple is not only a place of worship but als...