Klang Periya Varthiar”, A Pillar of Tamil Language, Hindu Faith, and Jaffna Tamil Identity in Klang.
Sivananthiram Alagandram,
Geneva,3-7-25.
The moment the first Jaffna Tamil migrants set foot on Malayan soil, they carried with them more than just their belongings—but had the responsibility of safeguarding their religious and Tamil Language heritage. Across the railway towns the towns like Taiping , Kuala Lipis ,Kajang and Seremban, , these pioneers transformed humble classrooms into strongholds of Tamil preservation. Their mission was clear: to ensure that the richness of their culture—woven through school texts like Palar Boothanai, devotional Thevaram hymns, and the lyrical verses of the Thirukkural, Mahabaratheram and Kambar Ramayanam would thrive in Malaysia away from their ancestral homeland.
In every corner of Malaysia where Jaffna Tamils put down roots, a Tamil School soon followed. The Vivekananda Tamil School in Kuala Lumpur set the standard, while in Kajang, the Navalar Tamil School became a beacon of literary excellence. From Tamil School in Kluang to the Ganesa Vidyalaya in Simpang Ampat,Sitiawan, and to the Vivekananda Hall in Seremban, Young Men’s Hindu Association in Taiping etc, , these institutions were far more than mere centers of learning—they were living environment where children's mother tongues were shaped where the rhythms of Bharathanatayam dances accompanied poetry recitals, and where Jaffna Tamil Vathiars innovated spoken Tamil curricula to keep the language vibrant in diaspora.
What emerged was nothing short of a language and cultural revival..These schools became the cradle of Tamil Language proficiency…Thamboosamy Pillai Tamil School Sentul, Kuala Lumpur ,the Town Tamil School Port Klang,where Ponnambalam Varthiar made the learning of Tamil so interesting in the afternoon with stories from Mahabharata , Kuala Lipis' Tamil School which integrated temple Thevarams into daily lessons; and Rawang's and Kuantan classrooms doubled as theaters for folk dramas. These schools became the platforms upon which Jaffna Tamils built their dual identity—as loyal sons and daughters of Malaysia , and preserving their 2,500-year-old literary tradition which benefitted greatly the second and third generation of Jaffna Tamils in Malaysia..
This is the story of Klang Periya Varthiar ,who contributed so much to enhancing Tamil Education among Jaffna Tamil children in Klang from late 1930’s onwards . Somasundaram Thambimuthu, born on 28 January 1912 in Karainagar, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), left an indelible mark on the cultural and spiritual landscape of Klang. Migrating to Malaya in 1935, he first ventured into cattle farming but soon discovered his true calling: preserving and promoting the Tamil language, Hindu religious traditions, and the unique identity of the Jaffna Tamil community in his new home.
Custodian of the Tamil Language
Endowed with a passion for the Tamil language, which he believed to be in its purest form among the Ceylonese Tamils, Somasundaram pursued teaching as a vocation. He became the headmaster of the Tamil school at the Klang Subramania Swamy Temple in Jalan Telok Pulai during the 1940s, and later continued his service at the Simpang Lima Tamil School—now one of the top Tamil schools in Malaysia. Even after retirement, he continued teaching Tamil at the Convent School and offering private tuition, often travelling to Kuala Lumpur and Johor on weekends. For many Klang families, he was the Varthiar (teacher) who ensured their children received a balanced education in both English and Tamil.
He was also sought after during Navarathri for the “Vidyarambham” ceremony, where he would introduce young children to the Tamil alphabet—a moment that many families still cherish as sacred.
He was also fortunate as his tenure as the headmaster and religious teacher thrived under the guidance of stalwarts like Saiva Kandiah, Mailvaganam , Kailasapillay, Ehambram and Saravanamuthu, whose scholarship elevated rituals into profound experiences. Bagavathiammah Ponnambalam, Arumuganar , Muthukumarasamy and Sivapragasam infused theological depth into community life, while Thuraiappah and Seenithamby became pillars of devotional leadership. Gunaratnam’s contributions, alongside my grandfather Ayathurai Sinnathambar’s enduring influence, epitomized this remarkable confluence of education and faith.—There were so many others who were not merely religious scholars, but living embodiments of the temple’s soul, inspiring generations through their unwavering dedication.
Torchbearer of Hindu Religious Traditions
Somasundaram Varthiar was deeply devoted to Hinduism and served as a spiritual guide to many. He conducted weekly Samaya Paadam (religious classes) at the Navalar Mandapam, where children learned Thevarams and Hindu values. His close association with Ayathurai Kurukkal of Klang Subramania Swamy Temple saw him assisting in rituals, ceremonies, and temple festivals. He was present during weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and religious functions, guiding families on auspicious timings and Vedic rites from the Tamil Panchangam. His deep knowledge made him a trusted advisor to the family of my grandfather Ayathurai Sinnathambar and the Klang community.
Whether it was assisting with temple Thiruvilla decorations, participating in poojas, or simply offering spiritual counsel, he was a constant presence at both the Subramania Swamy Temple and Sri Padai Vetri Mariamman Temple.
A Beacon of the Jaffna Tamil Legacy in Klang
Somasundaram Varthiar was more than a teacher or religious guide to the the evolving community of Klang. He carried with him the values, customs, and linguistic purity of Jaffna Tamils from Karainagar and gently rooted them in Klang’s multicultural soil. Whether it was advising on wedding rites, naming ceremonies, or cultural etiquette, he upheld the essence of Ceylonese Tamil identity.
He was fondly known as “Klang Periya Varthiar”, a title that reflected both his stature and respect within the community. His home was a hub for spiritual learning and cultural continuity—visitors, young learners, and devotees constantly came through his doors. Even after retirement, he served as cashier at the popular Baratha Matha Restaurant and continued offering services at the temple each evening.
He got married in 1946 to Kamala Devy Sabaratnam. They have 4 children namely -Sumangali, Sivasothy, Sivayogam and Sivalingam . I am thankful to Sivalingam for the story and bio data of this great man. He was a man of simplicity—he owned no car, travelled on a bicycle, and lived humbly—yet his influence was profound and enduring. He served as Chairman and later Trustee of the Klang Subramania Swamy Temple, and remained deeply connected to the community until his passing on 29 March 1998.
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