In Malaysia, a 113-year-old Hindu temple in Johor Baru is embracing modernity. The Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam, known as the oldest temple in Johor and its “mother temple,” has taken significant steps towards digitization.

Initially, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the temple introduced QR codes for MySejahtera registrations. Building on that experience, the temple has now launched a mobile app and two self-service kiosks. These digital tools allow devotees to request and pay for archanai services—Hindu rituals involving offerings and prayers—directly from their smartphones or at the kiosks, and receive digital receipts.

This modernization effort was initiated by temple chairman V. Raja Selan and was implemented by June 2024, coinciding with the temple's seventh re-consecration. Raja Selan, with his background in manufacturing, believes digitalization minimizes errors and streamlines worship services. Despite the digital shift, a physical counter remains for those less comfortable with technology.

The Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam, established in 1911 with a donation from Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, supports various community services, including two Tamil primary schools. It is also the first temple in Malaysia to achieve ISO 9000 certification and plans to install a vending machine for prayer items by September 2024.

Raja Selan hopes that the temple’s digital advancements will set a precedent for other religious institutions in Malaysia, emphasizing transparency and efficiency.