Batu Caves, a tourist attraction just north of
Kuala Lumpur, is a sacred place for the
Hindu's in Malaysia. These limestone caves
discovered in 1892, consist of three main
caves and a number of smaller ones.
Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave is the
biggest of the caves. The ceiling of this cave
is 100m above ground and this huge
chamber is lit by sunlight from several holes
in the ceiling. To get to the cave entrance,
you will have to climb 272 steps.
Once a year, on the festival of Thaipusam,
as many as 800,000 devotees and visitors
come to these limestone caves to offer
prayers, pay penance or fulfill a vow. As a
sacrifice, many of them carry Kavadis, which
are large, brightly decorated frameworks,
usually combined with various metal hooks
and skewers, used to pierce the skin,
cheeks and tongue. The devotees are
accompanied by relatives and friends. They
provide support with dance parades, songs,
drums and the flutes. As they arrive at the
shrine at the Batu Caves, the Swami
removes the hooks, spears etc. The vow is
finally fulfilled. Thaipusam, a celebration for
the son of Shiva (Subramaniam) and the
becoming "one" of Pusan and the
Brihaspati stars, is held in the tenth month of
the Hindu calendar (sometime at the end of
January).
Kuala Lumpur, is a sacred place for the
Hindu's in Malaysia. These limestone caves
discovered in 1892, consist of three main
caves and a number of smaller ones.
Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave is the
biggest of the caves. The ceiling of this cave
is 100m above ground and this huge
chamber is lit by sunlight from several holes
in the ceiling. To get to the cave entrance,
you will have to climb 272 steps.
Once a year, on the festival of Thaipusam,
as many as 800,000 devotees and visitors
come to these limestone caves to offer
prayers, pay penance or fulfill a vow. As a
sacrifice, many of them carry Kavadis, which
are large, brightly decorated frameworks,
usually combined with various metal hooks
and skewers, used to pierce the skin,
cheeks and tongue. The devotees are
accompanied by relatives and friends. They
provide support with dance parades, songs,
drums and the flutes. As they arrive at the
shrine at the Batu Caves, the Swami
removes the hooks, spears etc. The vow is
finally fulfilled. Thaipusam, a celebration for
the son of Shiva (Subramaniam) and the
becoming "one" of Pusan and the
Brihaspati stars, is held in the tenth month of
the Hindu calendar (sometime at the end of
January).
| BATU CAVES |
Thaipusam is an extraordinary Muruga,
also known as Lord Subramaniam. Kuala
Lumpur is probably the best place to
enjoy this colorful and fascinating festival
as this is where Lord Muruga's jewelled
chariot is led though the streets of the city,
culminating at the Batu Caves in
Selangor. The sights and sounds of
thousands of devotees carrying body
piercing kavadis, or ornate frames as
penance makes this a once in lifetime''
experience.
also known as Lord Subramaniam. Kuala
Lumpur is probably the best place to
enjoy this colorful and fascinating festival
as this is where Lord Muruga's jewelled
chariot is led though the streets of the city,
culminating at the Batu Caves in
Selangor. The sights and sounds of
thousands of devotees carrying body
piercing kavadis, or ornate frames as
penance makes this a once in lifetime''
experience.
The Kavadi which represents a miniature
shrine is placed on the shoulders of the
devotee. Chains are dropped from the
central body of the Kavadi and hooked onto
the flesh of the bearer. Some have piercing
through their cheeks and tongues. Others
hook limes, oranges or coconuts onto their
bodies. Women usually carry a silver jug
full of milk on their heads.
shrine is placed on the shoulders of the
devotee. Chains are dropped from the
central body of the Kavadi and hooked onto
the flesh of the bearer. Some have piercing
through their cheeks and tongues. Others
hook limes, oranges or coconuts onto their
bodies. Women usually carry a silver jug
full of milk on their heads.
| Up the stairs, all the way to the cave entrance, you will find curious onlookers - monkeys. You can purchase peanuts and bananas at the base of the caves as a treat for these monkeys |
| Thaipusam |
| Don't forget to wear some comfortable shoes when visiting Batu Caves. You have 272 steps to climb! |
| Inner City Transportation One of the most economic ways to see the city of Kuala Lumpur is to ride one of the many inner city trains. Hop off at the many local attractions and shopping malls. |
| Luminous fireflies Often called “A Night of a Thousand Stars”, this wonderful sight is provided by Mother Nature on the coastal town of Kampung Kuantan. This village is surrounded by fruit orchids and mangrove trees. Get on a "Sampan" (Malaysian boat) and ride down the river, taking in fireflies on display. What a spectacular sight. Then have dinner at the fishing village and try some of the local seafood at a restaurant on the river. An evening to remember. |
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| Fantastic Malaysia |
| Beautiful places, beautiful people, beautiful Malaysia |
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New York City
Working with
| Working with Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council Malaysia |
Health and Travel
Working with
| Attractions |