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Explore the Beautiful Batu Caves of Malaysia
In the Gombak district in Malaysia which is located around 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves. These caves are best known for being a pilgrimage for Hindus, and symbolizes an honor to Lord Muruga, the Hindu god of war and victory.
Since then, it has been considered as one of the most important Hindu shrines outside India, as it has become a religious site dedicated to Murugan, their god of war and victory.
In the 1860's Chinese settlers started to excavate the bird guano to use as fertilizer for vegetable crops but The Batu caves gained fame due to their limestone hill formation which were recorded by the then colonial authorities.
The Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave is the biggest of the three main caves where the ornate Hindu shrines are showcased. Its ceiling reaches a peak of 100 meters and this can be visited by climbing a total of 272 steps by foot.
Finally the third is the Ramayana Cave, where the story of Rama is depicted on the walls. All three caves hold a story that is a significant reference to the Malayan culture, but another important history that makes the Batu Caves an attraction is the proclamation inspired by the vel-shaped entrance of the main cave.
K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader, has given significance to the Batu Caves when he dedicated one of the temples inside the cave to Lord Murgan, the Hindu god of war and victory. Since then, the Batu Caves has become a prominent place of worship for most Hindu, especially since it has become the focal point in one of their festivals, the Thaipusum Festival.
Apart from its religious importance, the Batu Caves have become a very popular rock climbing site and for over ten years they have attracted avid climbers who not only appreciate it for the mere use of participating in the sport, but also since the caves exhibit art in its very natural form. It has well become the most precious historical site for Malaysians and most especially, the Hindus, who have used the Batu Caves as a focal point of the Hindu Festival, Thaipusam.
During the Thaipusam Festival a procession commences at the Sri Mahammariamman Temple and then concludes, eight hours after, at the Batu Caves following the pilgrimage of Lord Murugan.
A visit to Malaysia should never be complete without a glimpse of the Batu Caves. Holding much of the history of its people, it is truly an experience you cannot trade for anything else. Consider visiting during the Thaipusam Festival and see the Batu Caves at its best.
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