Who built the temple in Batu Caves?
Thamboosamy Pillai
Thamboosamy Pillai, the Indian Merchant
In 1891, Thamboosamy, a descendant of Indian immigrants from Tamil Nadu, installed the ‘deity of Lord Murugan in the 400 ft high temple Cave’.
What is special about Batu Caves?
A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.
Who built the Murugan statue in Batu Caves?
The statue was built by Tamil Malaysians. It took three years to construct, and was unveiled in January 2006 during Thaipusam festival. The managing authority of the temple rests with the Tamil descendants.
Why is it called Batu Caves?
They are named for the Sungai Batu (Batu River), which flows nearby, and are located 7 miles (13 km) north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The caves were little-known except to local residents until 1878, when the American naturalist William Temple Hornaday revealed their existence to the wider world.
Is Batu Caves man made or natural?
Seventeen kilometers from Kuala Lumpur stands a monument that seems to have been built by the gods themselves – the Batu Caves. Both a natural and man-made wonder, this holy monument incorporates both the stunning features of Malaysia’s limestone mountains and religious sculptures of the Hindu faith.
What is inside Batu Caves?
Temple Cave, Dark Cave, and Art Gallery Cave
Batu Caves’ jagged limestone hillside is home to three main caverns. The largest and most popular is known as Temple Cave, which has a ceiling over 300 feet high. Inside the lit cave, you will find various Hindu shrines and ornate depictions bringing legends to life.
What symbols are found at Batu Caves?
Pigeons – Symbol of Peace. Arriving at the entrance square of Batu Caves, visitors are greeted by majestic structures of Hindu deities, temples and swarms of pigeons flapping just inches above.
Are there bats in Batu Caves?
Batu Caves is renowned globally as a tourist destination. It is also an important habitat for thousands of bats which have been scientifically proven to be the most effective pollinators of durian flowers.
Why was Batu Caves built?
Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader. He was inspired by the ‘vel’-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Muruga within the caves.