The history of the temple can be tracked back when the Indians were indentured into Malaysia as labors workers, in particular to the then Straits Settlements, some of them were settled in what is currently known as Jelutong Penang, Malaysia. In the old days, Jelutong came to known as "Maulla Kadai". This referring to Indian Muslim man named "Maullana" who owns the only sundry shop near to Police Station Junction.

Sri Veeramakaliamman temple is one of the oldest temples in Penang which was established since 1896. Built by Indian pioneers who came to work and live here the temple was the first in the Jelutong area and became as a place of workship for the Indian palm tree workers. Over time, the people living in the surrounding areas came to participate in the daily prayers and activities in the temple. The choice of Sri Veeramakaliamman as the chief deity of the temple is significant. Referred as a powerful goddess and Destroyer of Evil, her presence answered an important need of the early migrants - the need to feel secure in a new land.