History

The idea of building a temple to meet the needs of the Hindu Community in Kota Kinabalu was mooted since 1967, but had to be temporarily postponed due to the small Hindu population at that time. The effort was revived by altruistic individuals in 1977, led mainly by Datuk lr. Jim S. Rajaratnam, and after going through various obstacles, the title to the 2-acre land was finally received from the state government in April 1987. Work, and much personal research began almost immediately, and by October of that year, Datuk Jim's plans for the temple had been approved and blessed by the Venerable Jagat Guru Shankaracharya of Kanchi (Periyavar), who was considered the highest order of Hindu monks and the highest authority. about Hinduism at that time. He also kindly suggested that the new temple be named Sri Pasupathinath Aalayam. With pledges and donations from members of the Kota Kinabalu Hindu Temple Construction Association (KKHTBA) and good wishes, along with a state grant, reclamation and construction work began in early 1988. In September of the same year, the consecrated foundation stone was laid. placed in the Silaanyaasa Council led by Sri Muthukumara Kurukkal. Experienced carvers were flown in from Kanchi, India, to carry out the intricate motif and carving work. By April 1990, all the work on the temple was completed.

June 3, 1990 saw the first Kumbabishegam (Temple Dedication Ceremony), the 2nd in 2002 and the 3rd in 2014 were held. The tireless dedication and selfless service of members of the Hindu community finally manifested the 23-year vision of the temple becoming a unique sanctuary for worship and spirituality not only for the present community, but for generations to come. It is this spirit of serving the greater good that helps sustain the temple to this day.