Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam is the only Murugan temple in the small northern state of PERLIS. This majestic temple is unique in its own way as this temple is one of the few temples in the world where Lord Muruga is in his battle form. The mighty general ( Senapathi ) presides here as Lord ARUMUGASWAMY; the six faced one with twelve hands with his two Sakthis, Sri Valli ( Icha Sakthi ) and Sri Devayanai ( Kriya Sakthi ) as the MOOLA MOORTHI in the main moolasthanam.

HIS majestic statue made from “Karungkal” is in a unique pose where HE is seeing the whole world from one place. HIS three faces are facing forward and the other three faces are facing the back. The human body is divided into six portions; body (Dhea); life-force (Prana); senses (Indrias); mind (Manas); intelligence (Budi) and ego (Ahamkar). The six rays that proceed from the divine light Shiva Sakthi represent these aspects and manifest as light and life in all the six layers. The divine effulgence flows through the six facets of the human complex and hence HE is SHANMUGAM or the six faced one.

Each of HIS twelve hands holds a weapon of each DEVA for HE is the mighty general ( Senapathi ) who suppress the asuras. Sri Valli is the personification of Icha Sakthi or energy that concerns with creativity. Sri Devayanai is the personification of Kriya Sakthi or the operating power or energy with which HE affects the evolution of the universe. HE is LORD ARUMUGASWAMY, the protector of HINDUS of PERLIS.

The need for a place of worship for Hindus in Kangar was first mooted in 1965 by a group of devotees. These seven individuals who are the founders of this temple were the late M.K Govindasamy, the late M. Ramasamy, the late S. Sathasivam, the late P. Sababathi, the late V Govindasamy Naidu, the late KG Rao and Sri M Alagumalai. The first meeting was held on 3rd. June 1965 at 8 pm in the house of the late S. Sadasivam in Arau, Perlis. In this meeting, it was decided to build a temple in Kangar, the state capital of Perlis since there was no temple there.

On 11th. July 1968, the foundation stone was laid down for the construction of this temple by the late Tun V.T Sambanthan. Still, for the completion of the temple there was insufficient fund. The Menteri Besar was once more approached, who again arranged state fund of another RM 15,000.00. Together with donations from all over the country, the dream temple had become a reality.

On Sunday, 14th. June 1970 @ 8.36 am, the First Kumbabishegam was held. The official opening ceremony was done by the honorable the late YAB Dato’ Sheikh Ahmad, Perlis Menteri Besar at 11.15 am.

From 28th. January 1972, the first General Meeting was held; a management committee was elected, surrounding walls were built, Panchaloga statues purchased, and Navagraha sannithi constructed. Several leadership changes occurred, and by 1987 a new committee was elected by over 900 Hindus in Perlis.

Second Kumbabishegam was held on 1st. July 1988 after renovations with RM 60,000 financial assistance from the state. A golden Vel was donated in the mid-1990s; new hall, kitchen, public toilet, and storage room constructed in 1997–1998.

In 2002, the temple was renovated according to Hindu Agamam; the Third Kumbabishegam held on 11th. Sept 2002. In 2004, a new wooden chariot and Panchaloga statues of Lord Arumugaswamy with His consorts were installed.

The temple website was created by Dr. Hari Ram Ramayya and officially launched on Vaigasi Vishagam day on 12th. June 2003.

Vaigasi Vishagam festival saw the new chariot and Panchaloga statues; first Thirukalyanam ceremony for LORD SHANMUKANATHA and His consorts was held; Skanda Sashti and Kartigai Theebam festivals celebrated in grand manner.

On 29th. January 2005, the temple was visited by Sri Carl Vadivel Belle from Australia, who felt a mystical aura upon visiting.

Balasthabanam conducted on 1 June 2014; old temple demolished; Vaasthu Nithirai Viduthal Pooja conducted