The name “Batu Caves” is derived from the nearby Sungai Batu (Batu River) and the Malay word “batu,” meaning “rock.” In Tamil, the complex is referred to as “Pathu Malai” (பத்து மலை).
Historical Background
The caves have a rich history, initially serving as shelters for the indigenous Temuan people, a tribe of Orang Asli. In the 1860s, Chinese settlers mined guano from the caves for fertilizer. American naturalist William Hornaday documented the caves in 1878. Recognizing their resemblance to the “vel” (spear) associated with Lord Murugan, Indian Tamil trader K. Thamboosamy Pillai established a temple dedicated to the deity within the main cave in 1891. The inaugural Thaipusam festival was celebrated here in 1892, marking the site’s emergence as a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination.
Religious Significance
The primary attraction is the Temple Cave, also known as the Cathedral Cave, which houses several Hindu shrines beneath its towering 100-meter-high ceiling. Access to this cave is via a steep flight of 272 steps. At the base of the hill, the Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, collectively known as the Cave Villa, feature numerous Hindu statues and paintings. Adjacent to the main staircase stands a 42.7-meter-tall golden statue of Lord Murugan, unveiled in January 2006, making it one of the tallest statues of the deity worldwide.
Thaipusam Festival
Batu Caves becomes the focal point of the annual Thaipusam festival, typically held in late January or early February. This event draws over a million devotees and tourists who participate in vibrant processions and various acts of devotion, including carrying “kavadi” as offerings to Lord Murugan.
