A Hindu Temple in a 400 Million Year Old Cave

 

The actual geographical structure of the Batu Caves in Malaysia is nothing to rave about, but its cultural significance lies in its Hindu Temple, which illustrates the sizeable contribution of the Indian community to the cultural traditions of Malaya. The caves are located about 12 km north of Kuala Lumpur in Gombak District. The oldest shrine is about 113 years old and sees about 1.5 million pilgrims annually, the temple is known as the most visited Hindu monument outside India.

 

The limestone caves are said to be over 400 million years old and is a system that encompasses about three main caves. The largest cave which is known as the Cathedral Cave has a ceiling which is about 100 meters high, this cave also holds a few ornate Hindu sculptures. It is believed that these temples were first inhabited by the indigenous Besisi and the caves were later discovered by an Indian trader called Pillai who also founded the Sri Mariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur. It is said that Pillai installed a sculpture of Sri Subramaniam Swami inside the cave which led to the formation of the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.

 

Each an important Hindu festival known as Thaipusam is celebrated here during mid January. The festival is a celebration of the Hindu mythology where Lord Siva danced with his consort Uma and also signifies the movement of the moon through the star sign Cancer. The annual festival draws in millions of Hindu devotees from places as far away as Australia, India and Singapore.

 

The festival begins as a procession in the early hours of morning in Kuala Lumpur and ends at the Batu Caves, the devotees carry containers filled with milk and floral decorations known as Kavadi as offerings to the Lord Muruga. Devotees usually stop for a purifying bath at the Rocky River and resume their journey.

 

For tourists the Batu caves offer the dual attraction of being inhabited by the indigenous Besisi and being the home of Malaysia’s most important Hindu temple. The walkway up to the temple also offers scenic views of the surrounding lush rainforest and on clear days it is even possible to see beyond Kuala Lumpur’s suburbs towards the Bay.

 

Despite being located away from Kuala Lumpur’s city it is advisable for travelers to base themselves in a city hotel. A discount hotel in Kuala Lumpur that offers great access to the transportation network and shopping districts is Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Festive Malaysia

Malaysia’s rich blend of Chinese and Indian cultures along with the native Malay makes for a unique cornucopia of festivals all year round.

One of the most exciting Malaysian festivals is Thaipusam, a Hindu festival celebrated in January or February. But be warned, with its body piercing, mutilations and frantic parades, it’s not for the weak of heart. The festival involves devotees piercing themselves as devotion to Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva.

The main event of Thaipusam is a procession of chanting devotees carrying structures known as kavadi which are frames decorated with coloured papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits. Some devotees are in trance and as penance, pierce their cheeks, tongues, or foreheads.

Thaipusam is best seen in the temple at the Batu Caves near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Devotees carry the kavadi up 272 steps to the entrance of a cave housing an image of Lord Muruga.

One of the most important festivals for the Chinese is the Hungry Ghosts Festival. Like all Chinese festivals, it’s a lunar festival. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th moon which means it falls in August. For several days before the actual event begins, there’s a build up of festivities featuring Chinese opera and puppet shows held at temples and clan associations.

Like so many Chinese festivals, the Hungry Ghosts festival is about honouring ancestors. According to Chinese beliefs, the spirit world where the dead go is in parallel with the living world. On this special day of the year, the gates between the two worlds open and the hungry ghosts wander the world of the living in search of food and perhaps revenge on those who wronged them in life.

During the Hungry Ghosts festival, people place bundles of joss sticks, paper money, and food on street corners. This is intended to appease the spirits of the dead and dissuade them from entering their homes. The paper money known as ‘hell money’ is burnt and the Chinese believe this will help their family members in the spirit world.

For our final festival in this article, we’ll look at something a little more modern – the World Rainforest Music Festival, a concert with a difference. It’s a 3-day event that celebrates the diversity of world music and draws fans from all over the world.

The World Rainforest Music Festival has been held each July since 1997at the Sarawak Cultural Village at the foot of Mount Santubong in Kuching, Sarawak, Eastern Malaysia. The event attracts the talents of both local and traditional musicians along with international performers. In the daytime, the festival features cultural and musical workshop-oriented events with concert performances given in the night.

Malaysia is a vibrant and colourful country at any time but if you arrive there during one of the many festivals and celebrations you’ll be assured of an extra special time.

What to know about traveling in Malaysia

So you are coming to Malaysia for a business trip or to relax. Which ever it may be, you would like to know what to look forward to and what to bring along.

Firstly, if you are a resident of any of the commonwealth nations then you may enter Malaysia for 90 days without having to get a visitors permit. Arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) might be a confusing experience, because of the language used on most of the directories not being in English. But not to worry, the people in Malaysia are very friendly and eager to help. Getting a taxi at the airport is very easy, or you can use the monorail to get to the city. KLIA is 65 kilometers south of the city, so taking a taxi to your hotel is much easier. Before you board your airplane to Malaysia you should exchange some money for the local currency, which is the Malaysian Ringgit. The currency exchangers at the airport self is a bit more expensive. So be advised.

Now you are here. What is there to do? Kuala Lumpur, or KL like the locals like to call it, has got everything you will need. The main past times in Malaysia is definitely dining and shopping. There is ample shopping malls, many fine restaurants, and if you are the type that is more into finding out what the locals are like then you should really try one of the many street food stalls. The temperatures in KL is hot and humid, so even the Malaysians try to stay out of the sun during the day. Therefore when night time arrives, the city is a buzz with people.

Places to visit in KL is the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, Batu Caves, Petaling Street and Genting Highlands which is just an hours drive away and many buses travel there from the city each day. Other places to visit in Malaysia is Langkawi, which is situated in the north of the country.

If you are going to hire a car be sure that you have an international driving license together with your own countries driving license. Driving in Malaysia might look scary at first, but it is something to get accustomed to. Watch out for the many motorbikes. They swerve in and between the cars, so you have to keep a look out for them when changing lanes. Always have a map with you and money. Its very easy to get lost on the roads in and around KL and there are many tollgates on the roads. When paying with money at the tollgates, head for the gates to the left. Those that have yellow or blue signs above them is not for cash payment.

Most of the hotels and taxi’s do have air conditioning, but if you are going to be outside please be sure to carry fluids with you and sunblock. The sun is not very forgiving in South East Asia.

The spoken language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Most Malaysians do understand and can speak English, but with a very heavy accent. Be patient and ask again if you didn’t understand anything they say.

Hopefully you will never get sick or injured when traveling through Malaysia, but if the scenario arises you will be in good hands. There are many clinics that are well equipped and inexpensive.

Kuala Lumpur is The Capital of Malaysia