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.