Once a year, Batu Caves become the centre of a great religious
procession. Almost 1 million people pay homage to the highly revered
deity, Lord Murugan during the 3-day long festival. Thaipusam falls on
the tenth day of the month of Thai in the Hindu Almanac and that would
usually be in late January or early February.
The origin story begins here when
Murugan was created during one of the battles between the Asuras or to be more specific Surapadman and the Devas.
At one point, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The
Devas were unable to resist the on slaught of the Asura forces. In
despair, they approached Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader
under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the
Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva.
Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Murugan, out
of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of
the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces and to
recognize that day the people created the festival of Thaipusam.
Every year i used to go to Batu Caves in early morning around 6.30am, carrying a pot of milk, climbing 272 steps with my family just to pay homage to Lord Muruga. I just love going during 2 days before Thaipusam so that i would not get stepped, pulled or squeezed by other devotees and can pray peacefully with no other interruption. Here are some pictures I took on that day...
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| Batu Caves, Gombak |
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| Candid Shot |
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| Traditional Dance |
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| Here is where all the people pay their homage and pour the milk on the Deity | of Lord Muruga |
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| Palani, India |
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| Souvenir Shops inside Batu Caves |
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| Paalkudam |
Hope you like the pictures ;D
