Batu Caves of Kuala Lumpur are a major Pilgrimage and Tourist destination. Once a year they become the focus of the massive Thaipusam Festival.
One of Malaysia’s treasures, the Batu Caves complex was carved out of limestone hills through centuries of erosion. They provide an attraction for the pilgrim, the tourist and for the naturalist who is interested in seeing animals that have adapted to live in complete darkness of the caves.
The caves, which are located in Gombak, a district 13km from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, are approached through buildings that include temples, shops and restaurants. One can find souvenirs, have a meal or purchase freshly made garlands of exotic flowers which are traditionally given as offerings.
Statue of Murugan breaks Records
Dominating the area is the recently completed 47m high statue of Murugan, the God of War, to whom the cave temple was originally dedicated. The statue, built over a three year period at a cost of 24 million Rupees, took 1550 tonnes of concrete and 250 tonnes of steel bars to fabricate. It was painted with 300 litres of gold paint imported from Thailand.
Annual Hindu Thaipusam Festival
Once a year this place becomes the focus of a ritual that draws Hindu devotees from around the world. In 2007 some 1.5 million pilgrims attended the Thaipusam Festival. This takes place in the Tamil month of Thai which equates to either January or February in the Western calendar. If you don't like crowds, this time is best avoided.
What to Ex;pect in the Main Caverns
Passing the giant statue of Murugan, one ascends a steep flight of steps, entertained by the antics of the local macaque monkeys. These caves are never completly dark as they are open to the skies. Within the caverns are numerous shrines dedicated to the "family "of Murugan and to other dieties such as Ganesh, the "remover of obstacles".
What to see in the Minor Caves
There are several minor caves at the base of the cliff face that are also open for visitors. Some of these minor caves have been recently undergoing refurbishment and house statues that have been on display, but are now in need of repair. This creates an interesting atmosphere if one is fortunate enough to be permitted to enter by Sri Lankan artisans who are doing the refurbishment work.
One of the caves under refurbishment houses bas-reliefs depicting stories from the Ramayana – the epic tale of Lord Rama - along with several other 'crumbling depictions of Hindu deities.
Hanuman Cave Statue
At the other end of the temple complex stands an impressive statue of Hanuman, the monkey God, dominating the approach to a temple cave dedicated to his worship.
Cave Dwelling Fauna of Batu Caves
Inside the hill, accessed at the base of the cliff, is an extensive network of caves known as Dark Cave. This cave complex has become home to several species of animals that have evolved to survive in spite to the total lack of light, and which can be found nowhere else in the world.
For those interested in cave fauna, guides regularly conduct visitors deeper into the caverns to see the bats, cave racer snakes, spiders, rats and other animals that have evolved to feed on the bat guano. It is not an excursion for the 'faint hearted' as entering some of the caves demands a certain degree of athleticism and may involve scrambling through tight spaces near the ground.
The copyright of the article Batu Caves, Malaysia – Pilgrimage Destination in Malaysia Travel is owned by Christine Fadhley. Permission to republish Batu Caves, Malaysia – Pilgrimage Destination in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Jun 23, 2008
