Malaysia – Walk up to the Batu Caves (1)

Over one of my weekends, I took a trip to one of the Caves in Kuala Lumpur; Batu Caves to be exact.

What is Batu Caves?

Batu Caves cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan and is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia, (the other place in Malaysia that celebrate Thaipusamin a massive scale is in Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam. Been here 20 years back on Thaipusam day and it was packed with people… back to back unlike what you will see in the coming photos.

Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district, 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. It is also the name of the nearby village.

The Shrine at the entrance of the Batu Caves

Another temple which is the near to Batu Caves Komuter Station.

Lots of pigeons near the entrance. The girl is ‘enjoying’ herself been surrounded by them. Can you see her?

Stalls selling Indian garlands

Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones and almost 100m above the ground. The biggest, referred to as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, has a very high ceiling and features ornate Hindu shrines. You will need to climb a steep flight of 272 steps to reach it.

Interesting? Stay tune to fine out more in my next posting. =)

Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam (4) …. my 100th post!!!

Wow… I cant believe I have hit my 100th post in 3 months and have over 500 followers. Thanks to all my readers and followers for keeping me going. If it is not for you all, I would not have come this far.

For this post, it will be my final part on the celebration of Thaipusam in Penang. A matter of fact, in Malaysia, Thaipusam is also celebrated in a big scale in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur aside from Penang.

More pictures from the celebration….

Smashed coconuts on the road by the devotees..

You can also see that it is not only the Indians that come to pray to Lord Murugan but also the Chinese community too.

After smashing the coconuts, the town council people will be ready to quickly clean up the smashed coconuts aside so that the chariots can go through.

This is the silver chariot that is carrying Lord Murugan ….

So, the next time if you are down in Malaysia during these period, do come and join and watch this celebration. You will be marveled by it. =)

Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam (3)

The is the 3rd part.If you have not followed on my 1st 2 parts of the blog, here are the links; Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam (1) and Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam (2)

More pictures from the celebration of Thaipusam in Penang

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Coconuts piled up on the road.

Devotees waiting for the chariots…

Coconut with burned joystick as offerings……

Chariots arriving soon…. devotees praying and getting ready

Me and my shadow…. also waiting for patiently.

Devotees smashing the coconuts on the road before the arrival of the chariot of Lord Murugan

Follow me on the last part of the Thaipusam celebration on my next blog to catch glimpse of the chariot of Lord Murugan.

Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam (2)

This is my continuation from part 1.

Devotees offering to Lord Murugan gifts ranging from just simple offerings of milk and flower garlands. Coconuts seen also given as offerings  where later the devotees will smash it on the road before the chariot arrives.

Offering such as flowers, fruits and coconuts offered to Lord Murugan

One of the refreshment stalls set up all the chariot route for the devotees.

Piles of coconuts in the middle of the road. Devotees waiting for the chariot to arrive.

A group of devotee carrying milk garland on their heads.

Devotees waiting patiently for the chariot to arrive.

Penang – Celebration of Thaipusam (1)

Today’s the eve of Thaipusam and I was fortunate to witnessed this celebration here in Penang  and to see  the silver chariot carrying Lord Murugan from the Kovil Veedu(House Temple) on Penang Street, Georgetown to Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hilltop) along Jalan Waterfall.

Here are some of the photos I managed to capture…..

Offerings to Lord Murugan..

Devotees carrying the Kavadi..

.. a relative helping to cool down the devotee carrying the kavadi by wiping his face with a wet towel. Usually during this time of the year.. it is  hot and they walk bare foot the whole route on the bitumen road.

To be continued…