Malaysian Hindu Temples Information Center

Sri Sannasi Malai Andavar temple, established in 1868 by the Nattukottai Chettiar community, is located within a compound that houses the jeeva samadhi (sacred tomb) of a Hindu sage. Initially, this sage settled on a nearby hill where he worshipped the sacred feet of Lord Murugan daily. He also meditated upon a Shiva Lingam. Due to this, the place came to be known as Sannasimalai (Hill of the Sage). The hill where he resided belonged to the Nattukottai Chettiar family estate. The sage’s devotional practices and healing acts drew the attention of the Chettiar community. Recognizing his spiritual power, they decided to clear the area at the foot of the hill and build a temple there. The sage advised the Nattukottai Chettiar community to build a Murugan temple at that spot as per divine instructions. He also declared that he would transfer all divine energy and power to the temple. The land for the temple was purchased. Between 1868 and 1872, before attaining liberation (moksha), the sage rendered religious services and healing to the local people who came to see him. Though the temple bears the name of the sage, it is essentially a Murugan temple situated in a vast compound. Initially, the temple festival (Thiruvizha) was celebrated on Panguni Uthiram day. However, from the 1900s onwards, the festival has been celebrated on Masi Magam day in a grand and elaborate manner.