Explore the Beautiful Batu Caves of Malaysia

In the Gombak district in Malaysia which is locatedsteps. The largest and best known temple at
around 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur are the BatuBatu is the Temple Cave, also known as the
Caves. These caves are best known for being aCathedral Cave. The name comes from the fact
pilgrimage for Hindus, and symbolizes an honor tothat it houses a number of Hindu shrines.
Lord Muruga, the Hindu god of war and victory.Outside Batu Caves is the statue of Murugan, the
The caves are thought to be around 400 millionHindu deity. This is the tallest statue of Murugan in
years old and are reputed to have been a refugethe world, standing at 42.7 meters and cost 24
for the indigenous Temuan people - a Malay tribalmillion rupees and took 3 years to construct. It
people.was constructed from 1550 cubic meters of
In the 1860's Chinese settlers started toconcrete.
excavate the bird guano to use as fertilizer forThe highest point of the caves stands at almost
vegetable crops but The Batu caves gained fame100 meters above ground level. At the base of
due to their limestone hill formation which werethe hill to the main cave there are a further 2
recorded by the then colonial authorities.caves - Museum Cave and Art Gallery Cave
The caves were promoted for a place of worshipwhich are both full of Hindu paintings and statues.
by an Indian trader who was it is said, inspired byMany of the shrines are based upon the victory
the "vel" shaped entrance way to the main cave.of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadam.
In 1891 Pillai, who is known for founding the SriThere is also the Ramayana Cave which is
Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, erecteddedicated to the story of Rama. On the way to
a consecrated statue named the murti of SriRamayana Cave is a 15 meter tall Hanuman murti,
Subramania Swamy in the temple cave.the monkey who was very much devoted to the
Steps that are made of wood were built in 1920Lord Rama.
but have since been replaced by 272 concrete