Archaeological evidence shows early Indian visits Perlis in the 5th or 6th century. Tamil sources attest to the close relationship between Kedah and the Chola Kingdom of South India.
Religious monuments in Bujang valley, Kedah, dating to the 7th century have been discovered.
Sir Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple at Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka was built in 1781, is said to be the oldest working Hindu temple in Malaysia.
Indian merchants in the early centuries brought the people of the west coast into contact not only with Buddhism but also with Hinduism. However, much of Hindu worship and practice was imported through large-scale migration of Indians in the 19th century, many of whom were South Indian descent.
The temple is an essential component of the Hindu practice of worship. Salvation, one of the basic beliefs of Hindus, means that the state of freedom from reincarnation and reunion with the Almighty.
Although a matter for debate, Hindu influence on local culture (As an example; wayang kulit), language and political concept is rather apparent.
