Batu Caves attracts travellers from all over the world. The Murugan Temple within the caves is a prime draw for all Hindu Tamils. Visitors must climb 272 step to reach the temple complex. A magnificent Murugan statue at the base of the flight of steps towers to a height of 141 ft (43 m) .
History
The Temple in Batu Caves
After ascending the 272 steps, I entered an immense open area with a height of over 100 metres. On the left of the cave is the Main Temple (Sri Velayuthar Temple). After climbing up the next short flight of steps, we reached the Murugan Temple.
Sri Velayuthar is a deity worshipped at Batu Caves. Sri Velayuthar is another name for Lord Murugan, who is also known as Velan or Velayudham. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and wields the spear (Vel). According to Shaivite tradition, goddess Parvati presented the Vel to her son Murugan to trounce the asura Surapadman.
The Murugan Temple itself has been a focal point of Hindu worship since its construction in the 1850s. The site represents the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Tamil Hindu community in Malaysia.
– Murugan is the name for the Hindu god of war, youth and fertility. Hindus worship Him in various parts of India and Sri Lanka. His mount is the peacock. It represents beauty, grace and the conquest of ignorance.
– Tamil-speaking communities commonly use the name Sri Velayuthar. It means “one who holds the spear” (vel = spear, ayutham = weapon), referring to Murugan’s renowned weapon.
Thaipusam Festival
The temple is a central location for the Thaipusam festival. Many devotees celebrate it with great fervour. Thaipusam, held annually in January or February, is a Hindu festival that honours Lord Murugan. Pilgrims do rigorous penance, including carrying kavadi (burden) as acts of devotion. The festival attracts large crowds, making it a vibrant and culturally significant event for both local and international visitors.
Architecture
The Batu Caves are famous for their stunning natural beauty and the impressive architecture of the temple. The temple is within a series of caves on a limestone hill and at the entrance is a colossal statue of Lord Murugan, one of the tallest of the Hindu deity in the world. The 272-step climb to the temple provides both a spiritual journey and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. They have painted the steps in colours of blue, green, red and yellow. Monkeys scramble up and down the steps looking for food. They may snatch food items, mobile phones and cameras, if they get a chance.
Biodiversity
The Batu cave system and its caverns is a biodiversity hotspot consisting of several plant and animal species, many of which are specific to such limestone environments. About 269 species of vascular plants including 56 species (21%) of calciphiles exist on the site.
Getting There
Batu Caves is 13 km from Kuala Lumpur. You can take a train on the KTM Komuter Line. Alternatively you can hire a Grab taxi which will set you back by MYR 30-40 one way.
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