Bukit Batu is a limestone hill, located 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, containing a series of Hindu temples and shrines inside its caves. The Batu caves are the focal point for nearly one million pilgrims during the annual Thaipusam festival in the Tamil month of Thai.
The caves have been dedicated to Lord Murugan due to K. Thambusamy Pillai being inspired by the Vel shaped entrance.
In 1891, K. Thambusamy Pillai, an influential descendent of Indian immigrants from Tamilnadu, India, the founder President of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, installed the murti (consecrated statue) of Sri Subramania Swamy in what is today known as the Temple Cave. Source
A giant 42.7 metre gold statue of the Hindu deity and God of War now stands at the base of the steps leading up to the caves. Made of 1,550 cubic metres of concrete, 250 tonnes of steel bars and 300 litres of gold paint brought in from Thailand, it took fifteen Indian sculptors three years to complete.
The biggest cave of the Bukit Batu complex is referred to as the Temple Cave, due to the several ornate Hindu shrines located under its 100 metre high vaulted ceiling. To reach it, visitors must climb a steep flight of 272 steps.
Wow, incredible shots. That first one, I cannot believe the immensity of the cave. I thought the temple was like a model or something. This must really be amazing in person. Very nice work.
it was, but i think it would be more impressive during Thaipusam (at the expense of the cave ecology) – cheers
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Hey, well written and nice photography indeed of a iconic tourist spot in our country.
Just a little comment that the word “Batu” in Batu Caves comes from the Malay Word for Stone or Rock….:-)
thanks Michelle – i’d love to return here for Thaipusam to photograph the happenings – i’ve missed it twice now by only a handful of days. i imagine it’d get quite hectic here during that time. have you seen it here or elsewhere in Malaysia?
Tamil is one of the best religion that i know and i’m proud to be a time