Kuala Lumpur Experiences

[NOV]

Places to Visit: Batu Caves



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Yet another must-see in Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is on the outskirts of KL.

Many Tamil films have been shot here, right from Varuvaan Vadivelan days to Billa and Kannamoochi Yenadaa recently.

Batu Caves, a 400 million year-old limestone hill with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, is nature's wonder. The temple was built about 120 years ago by Indian immigrants, and is often refered to as "Ezhaam Padai" of Lord Murugan.

The temple grounds adjoining the massif sprawl over an area of 16 acres of flat land. A Tamil School run by the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam is built on the grounds.

As you enter you are greeted by the tallest Murugan structure in the world. Yes, you read that right!

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As you enter the gates, you forget the moment and think that you are still in Tamilnadu.
A huge Vel welcomes you and as you walk through, you sight a Vinayagar temple. Just to the left are smaller temples featuring Murugan from Thiruparamkundram, Thiruchendur, Pazhani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai.

On the right is Suriyan temple, together with the navakragams. You can also see several restaurants selling a delicious variety of vegetarian Southern Indian Food.

You enter the Vinayagar temple, and then turn left and see Meenakshi Amman in all Her splendour. Next to it is a short flight of steps and you are led to Kailaasam!

Having finished all that, you step out of Vinaayagar temple and turn to your right. As you walk up you are greeted by golden domes, with Venketesaran and his consort welcoming you.

After your prayers there, you walk up and are greeted by a cage full of monkeys. Unsurprisingly, there is a Hanuman temple there, with a huge statue of Anjaneyar tearing open his body to reveal Raman and Seetha in his heart!

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Finishing all prayers at Ground level, you now go back to the adivaaram and start walking up the 272 steps to pay obeiyance to Batu Malai Murugan!
The climb is steep and you run out of breath soon. But paradise awaits you on top.

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The floor is cool, the atmosphere hill-like. Unrealisingly you feel trance-like, the weariness of cllimbing forgotten.
You worship Murugan and then sit down on the floor to take in the senses pervading you.
You understand now why milliuns of devotees gather here every Thaipusam, making it the biggest congregration of Hindus in the world!


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If you are doubtful, try typing Thaipusam in google and see where it takes you.