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[Paul Voebel]

Realistic sculpturing is indeed something special a divine art perfected by geniuses like Michelangelo, Rodin, But when it comes to who is the ultimate sculptor, the greatest sculptor of all time, it leads to endless debates. Whatever be the conclusion, after seeing naturally sculptured spots such as the Batu Caves in Malaysia, almost all will arrive at a single answer: the greatest sculptor of all time is no one else but the nature'!

[Paul Voebel]

A place that has to be seen to be believed, Batu Caves is located around 13 km from Malaysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur. For majority, in Malaysia and abroad, Batu Caves is a place of worship Sri Subramaniyar Swamy Devasthanam', one of the very famous Hindu temples that are located outside the hub of Hinduism, India. But this place is more than just a temple abode a location that blends the air of holiness with the thrill of natural beauty and adventurous excitement. Perhaps there will be no other location in the world where one can find holy temples consecrated in an array of perfect naturally carved caves.

[Paul Voebel]

Dating back to 400 million years, Batu Caves are actually limestone caves formed within three sandwiched hillocks the name comes from the Malay word for rock and/or from the neighboring Batu River. Centuries ago this location was the transit place for indigenous Malay tribes for their hunting trips. Later the then-Chinese settlers made use of these caves to make fertilizer from bat-droppings for their agricultural needs. But this spot remained hidden' to the outside world until discovered' by British explorers in the late 19th century.

[Paul Voebel]

At that time the Tamil communities from India were prominent settlers in Malaysia. A noted Tamil merchant, Thambusamy Pillai, after experiencing a holistic touch at this place, decided to build a temple in the caves. It is also believed that the Vel'-shaped main cave entrance (Vel' a divine spear the chief weapon of Lord Subramaniya) inspired Thambusamy Pillai to consecrate a temple for Lord Subramaniya, also known as Muruga / Karthikeya, the most revered deity of Tamil communities worldwide.

[Paul Voebel]

At present Batu Caves is regarded as the Mecca of Hindus outside India' particularly famous for the annual festival Thaipooyam', a much revered occasion in the Malaysian capital. But this God-made wonder is much more than a pilgrim's spot a canvas of natural sculptural beauty.

[Paul Voebel]

A must see spot for Kuala Lumpur visitors, what greets you first on arrival is a 140 feet tall gigantic gold-painted statue of Hindu God Subramaniya, the tallest statue of Subramaniya in the world! 



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