THE BATU CAVES MYSTERY

If there is one thing that makes the Asian continent stand out, that is its legends and traditions. Today, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are going to tell you about one of the most spectacular and holiest places for Hindu people in Malaysia, the Batu caves.

They are located 3 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur and they take their name from river “Batu” or “Sangai Batu”. The caves were discovered in 1878 and date back 400 million years. There are three caves 62 metres below ground level, and according to the residents and Hindu believers, Murugan the god of War lives in them.

At the entrance to the caves there is a giant golden statue, a 42.7-metre tall statue of Lord Murugan, built in 2006 which has become very popular for tourists and pilgrims.

These three caves are:

• “Temple Cave” or “Cathedral Cave” is the largest of them all. It is 100 metres high and houses Hindu shrines. Visitors hike a steep 272-step stretch to reach it.

• “Ramayana Cave” houses a temple devoted to Hanuman and there is a statue of him in it. The story of Rama is imprinted on the uneven walls of the cave.

• “The Dark Cave” is a two-kilometre network of caves that remains relatively intact. The stalactites and stalagmites in the caves look like curtains; this is the only cave with restricted access.

In the Batu Caves, the Thaipusam Festival is celebrated. This religious event has been held since the end of the 19th Century on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar (around January or February according to our calendar) and worships Murugan, Hindu god of War.

Legend has it that goddess Parvati gave her son Murugan a spear on Thaipusam to fight against Soorapadam. Since then, Murugan followers around the world, celebrate his victory over evil.

The mystery of these caves is based on this story, and it is said that everyone who goes in and prays to the Hindu god, upon leaving will feel stronger and less sensitive to pain.

At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, temple of relaxation, you can look after yourself and be looked after. Our only secret is the fantastic wellbeing you will experience in our luxury resort in the Mediterranean.