Explore the Beautiful Batu Caves of Malaysia
November 15th, 2009 by Joseph Archibald, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
About seven miles north of Kuala Lumpur is the Gombak district where the very historical Batu Caves can be found. Evidence shows that an ancient Malay tribe, the Temuan people, may have inhabited these caves but this place only gained its prominence when the Indian trader, K.Thamboosamy Pillai, promoted it as a place of worship for the Hindu god, Murugan.
Since then, it has been considered as one of the most important Hindu shrines outside India, as it has become a religious site dedicated to Murugan, their god of war and victory.
Believed to hold a history as old as 400 million years, the Batu Caves tell very significant stories and has now become a famous attraction for tourists. It is located 100 meters above ground level and composed of three main caves with a satellite of smaller ones scattered around it.
The caves were promoted for a place of worship by an Indian trader who was it is said, inspired by the “vel” shaped entrance way to the main cave.
In’91 Pillai, who is known for founding the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, erected a consecrated statue named the murti of Sri Subramania Swamy in the temple cave.
Steps that are made of wood were built in’20 but have since been replaced by 272 concrete steps. The largest and best known temple at Batu is the Temple Cave, also known as the Cathedral Cave. The name comes from the fact that it houses a number of Hindu shrines.
The Thaipusum Festival is an annual event that is observed by all Hindus from all over the globe. During the morning of the Thaipusam, a procession commences at the Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur and all devotees proceed to the Batu Caves carrying with them milk, that are to be offered to their god Murugan.
The highest point of the caves stands at almost 100 meters above ground level. At the base of the hill to the main cave there are a further 2 caves – Museum Cave and Art Gallery Cave which are both full of Hindu paintings and statues. Many of the shrines are based upon the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadam.
There is also the Ramayana Cave which is dedicated to the story of Rama. On the way to Ramayana Cave is a 15 meter tall Hanuman murti, the monkey who was very much devoted to the Lord Rama.
Click the link for my own experience of Kuching hotels and to learn more about the beautiful Damai.
