Editing Batu Caves

{{Short description|Cave system in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia}}
{{For|the town|Batu Caves (town)}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| image              = Batu Caves stairs 2022-05.jpg
| caption            = Entrance to the cave complex with the [[Batu Caves Murugan Statue|Murugan statue]] in the front
| alt                = 
| map_type           = Malaysia Selangor#Malaysia West
| map_caption        = Location in the [[Klang Valley]]##Location in [[Peninsular Malaysia]]
| coordinates        = {{coord|3|14|14.64|N|101|41|2.06|E|type:landmark_region:MY|display=inline,title}}
| country            = [[Malaysia]]
| state              = [[Selangor]]
| district           = [[Gombak]]
| elevation_m        = 
| deity              = [[Murugan]]
| architecture       = [[Dravidian Architecture]]
| year_completed     = 1920
| festivals          = [[Thaipusam]]
| creator            = 
| website            = 
}}

'''Batu Caves''' is a 325-m tall<ref name="Lim2">{{cite journal|last1=Lim|first1=Teckwyn|last2=Nur Atiqah Abd Rahman|last3=Muhammad Fazlee bin Sabarudin|last4=Nik Khairul Amri bin Nik Hassan|last5=Ros Fatihah Muhammad|last6=Zarris Kem|date=2023|title=Notes on the topography of the Batu Caves karst tower, Malaysia, with a description of a route to the highest peak and locations of five new caves|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370763624|journal=Malayan Nature Journal|volume=75|issue=1|pages=195-200|access-date=2025-03-17}}</ref> [[mogote]] with a series of [[limestone]] [[caves]] in [[Gombak]], [[Selangor]], [[Malaysia]]. It is located about {{cvt|13|km}} north of the capital city of [[Kuala Lumpur]]. The cave complex contains many [[Hindu temple]]s, the most popular of which is a shrine dedicated to the deity [[Murugan]]. It is the focal point of the [[Tamils|Tamil Hindu]] festival of [[Thaipusam]] in Malaysia. The complex also hosts a {{cvt|43|m}} high [[Batu Caves Murugan Statue|Murugan statue]], one of the largest Murugan statues in the world.

== Etymology ==
The name for the cave complex is derived from the word ''batu'' from [[Malay language|Malay]] meaning "rock".<ref name="Lim" /> The hill was called as "Kapal Tanggang" (ship of Si Tanggang) as per ''Si Tanggang'', the [[Malay people|Malay]] version of the [[Minangkabau people|Minang]] folktale ''[[Malin Kundang]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Misteri Jong Batu|author=Firdaus H. N.|year=2011|isbn=978-9-99170-789-1|publisher=[[University of California]]|page=58}}</ref><ref name="Lim">{{cite journal |last1=Lim |first1=Teckwyn |last2=Yusof |first2=Sujauddin |last3=Arshad |first3=Ashraf |date=2010 |title=The Caves of Batu Caves: a Toponymic Revision |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286712460 |url-status=live |journal=Malayan Nature Journal |volume=62 |issue=4 |pages=335–348 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522094757/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286712460_The_caves_of_batu_caves_A_toponymic_revision |archive-date=2024-05-22 |access-date=2024-05-22}}</ref> In [[Tamil language|Tamil]], the temple complex is called as ''Pathu malai'' (பத்து மலை).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/religion/temples/malaysia-batu-caves-sri-subramaniam-temple-history-and-significance/articleshow/69929673.cms|title=History and Specialties of Batumalai Cave Murugan Temple in Malaysia Built by Tamils|work=Samayam|date=25 June 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|lang=ta|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827010607/https://tamil.samayam.com/religion/temples/malaysia-batu-caves-sri-subramaniam-temple-history-and-significance/articleshow/69929673.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
The caves were used as shelters by the indigenous [[Temuan people]], a tribe of [[Orang Asli]].<ref name="Huff">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/visiting-lord-murugan-at_b_11441066|title=Visiting Lord Murugan|author=Ashley Morton|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=12 August 2016|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908151621/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/visiting-lord-murugan-at_b_11441066|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1860s, [[Chinese people|Chinese]] settlers began excavating [[guano]] from the caves, used as [[fertilisers]].<ref name="Cilisos">{{cite web|url=https://cilisos.my/the-multiracial-history-of-batu-caves-that-your-sejarah-lessons-never-taught-you/|title=Multiracial history of Batu caves|date=6 February 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522094751/https://cilisos.my/the-multiracial-history-of-batu-caves-that-your-sejarah-lessons-never-taught-you/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1878, the caves were visited by [[Americans|American]] [[naturalist]] [[William Temple Hornaday|William Hornaday]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Landmarks of Selangor|author1=By Kon Yit Chin|author2=Voon Fee Chen|year=2003|isbn=978-9-814-06878-9|publisher=Jugra Publications|page=30}}</ref> [[K. Thamboosamy]], an Indian [[Tamils|Tamil]] trader, promoted the cave complex as a site of [[Hindu]] worship.<ref name="Huff"/> A [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to lord [[Murugan]] was completed in 1891 with the annual [[Thaipusam]] celebrations commencing in 1892.<ref name="Brit">{{cite web |title=Batu caves |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Batu-Caves |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815170927/https://www.britannica.com/place/Batu-Caves |archive-date=15 August 2018 |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=[[Britannica]]}}</ref> Further development of religious sites has happened ever since in the region. Housing development around the region began in the late 20th century with [[non-governmental organisation]]s expressing concerns about the over-development.<ref>{{cite news|date=10 September 2021|title=Explain land grants within Batu Caves reserve, NGOs tell Selangor|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/09/10/explain-land-grants-within-batu-caves-reserve-ngos-tell-selangor/|access-date=12 March 2024|work=Free Malaysia Today|archive-date=12 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312075848/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/09/10/explain-land-grants-within-batu-caves-reserve-ngos-tell-selangor/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Geology ==
[[File:Sunshine_on_the_Rocks.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|left|[[Karst]] limestone formation]]
The complex is a [[mogote]] with a series of [[karst|limestone caves]], formed more than 400 million years ago.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/20/travel/batu-caves-temple-malaysia-escalator-intl-hnk/index.html|title=This 400 million-year-old cave site and temple in Malaysia is planning an escalator upgrade|work=[[CNN]]|date=21 January 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=24 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324033156/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/20/travel/batu-caves-temple-malaysia-escalator-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Maritime Heritage of India|author=[[Indian Navy]]|isbn=978-9-352-06917-0|publisher= Notion Press|page=IV}}</ref> It consists of a complex cave system of 20 recognized caves including four large cave systems with multiple inter-connected chambers.<ref name="Lim"/> 

The [[speleothems]] were formed by the action of water falling on the surface percolating through the surface and interacting with the sub-surface, resulting in the dissolution of [[limestone]] rocks, resulting in the formation of [[stalactite]]s and [[stalagmite]]s. Stalactites jutting from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor form intricate formations of cave curtains, [[flowstone]]s, [[cave pearls]], and [[scalloping (cave feature)|scallops]]. The interiors would have been damp and wet when the caves were being formed.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Guide to Batu Caves|author1=E. Soepadmo|author2=Thian Hua Ho|year=1971|publisher=Malayan Nature Society|page=10}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Underground Worlds:A Guide to Spectacular Subterranean Places|author=David Farley|year=2018|isbn=978-0-316-51400-2|publisher=Running Press}}</ref>

== Biodiversity ==
{{Further|List of fauna of Batu Caves}}
[[File:Batu_caves_-_Intérieur_de_la_grotte.jpg|thumb|The dark interior of the caves host many plant and animal species]]
The Batu cave system and its caverns is a [[biodiversity hotspot]] consisting of many plant and animal species, many of which are specific to such limestone environments.<ref name="Ong">{{cite book|last=Ong|first=Dylan Jefri|title=Batu Caves: Malaysia's Majestic Limestone Icon|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355710784|publisher=Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy|year=2020|isbn=978-967-17966-0-3|editor1-first=Ruth|editor1-last=Kiew|editor2-last=Zubaid Akbar Mukhtar Ahmad|editor3-last=Ros Fatihah Haji Muhammad|editor4-last=Surin Suksuwan|editor5-last=Nur Atiqah Abd Rahman|editor6-last=Lim Teck Wyn|location=Kuala Lumpur|page=44|access-date=2024-05-22|archive-date=2024-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522094803/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355710784_Batu_Caves_Malaysia's_Majestic_Limestone_Icon|url-status=live}}</ref> About 269 species of [[vascular plant]]s including 56 species (21%) of [[Calcicole|calciphiles]] have been recorded from the site.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kiew|first=Ruth|date=12 September 2014|title=Checklist of vascular plants from Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia|url=https://checklist.pensoft.net/article/19066/|journal=Check List|volume=10|issue=6|pages=1420–1429|doi=10.15560/10.6.1420|issn=1809-127X|doi-access=free|access-date=22 October 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022184903/https://checklist.pensoft.net/article/19066|url-status=live}}</ref> There are a diverse range of cave fauna, including [[endemic species]] such as the [[trapdoor spider]] ''[[Liphistius batuensis]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|author=T.W. Lim and S.S. Yussof|year=2009|title=Conservation status of Batu Caves Trapdoor Spider (''Liphistius batuensis'' Abraham (Araneae, Mesothelae)): A preliminary survey. 61: 121–132.|journal=Malayan Nature Journal|volume=62|issue=1|pages=121–132|url=https://www.academia.edu/39055136|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=2022-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507205244/https://www.academia.edu/39055136|url-status=live}}</ref> There are 21 species of bats, including several species of [[fruit bats]]. The dark cave system is home to numerous species of insects including [[Haplotaxida|haplotaxids]], [[spiders]], [[mites]], [[ticks]], [[scorpions]], [[springtails]], [[beetles]], [[fly|flies]], [[ants]], [[wasps]], [[bees]], [[butterflies]], [[moths]] and other animals such as [[frogs]], [[lizards]], [[snakes]] and [[snails]].<ref name="Ong"/><ref>{{cite journal|author1=[[Nelson Annandale|Annandale, N.]]|author2=[[Frederic Henry Gravely|F.H. Gravely]]|year=1914|title=The limestone caves of Burma and the Malay Peninsula, Part II: The fauna of the caves|journal=Journal and Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal|volume=9|issue=10|page=402-423}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=[[Elliott McClure]]|year=1965|title=Microcosms of Batu Caves and a List of Species Collected at Batu Caves|journal=Malayan Nature Journal|volume=19|issue=1|page=68}}</ref> The bat guano is home to a native species of cockroach, ''[[Pycnoscelus striatus]]''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lim |first=Teckwyn |date=2023 |title=The alien house cockroach, Periplaneta americana, has not displaced the native cave cockroach, Pycnoscelus striatus, in Batu Caves, Selangor |url=https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.15044044 |journal=Malayan Nature Journal |volume=75 |issue=1 |pages=155-159 |doi=10.5281/ZENODO.15044044}}</ref>

The site is also home to numerous [[long-tailed macaque]]s. The monkeys often depend on people for food and might cause disturbance or nuisance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jan/28/mugged-by-macaques-the-urban-monkey-gangs-of-kuala-lumpur|title=Mugged by macaques: the urban monkey gangs of Kuala Lumpur|date=28 January 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522094751/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jan/28/mugged-by-macaques-the-urban-monkey-gangs-of-kuala-lumpur|url-status=live}}</ref> To preserve the cave's ecology, access is restricted in the inner cave complex which can be accessed by the educational trips organised by the [[Malaysian Nature Society]]. Development over the years, industrial activity, and the high number of footfalls due to the religious site are threats to the biodiversity in the region.<ref name="Ong"/>

== Religious site ==
[[File:Gombak_Selangor_Batu-Caves-01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Steps leading to the caves with the Murugan statue in the front]]
The similarity of the entrance to the cave structure to a ''vel'' (a [[spear]]) wielded by the deity Murugan is said to have inspired Thamboosamy to build a temple. The Subramanian Swamy temple is located in the largest cave in the complex.<ref name="Brit"/> Initially, the hill has to be climbed on foot to reach the shrine. In 1920, wooden steps were installed to enable the pilgrims to reach the temple. In the 1930s, the stairs began to show signs of wear and a decision was made to build [[concrete]] steps on the southern side of the cave complex. In 1940, 272 concrete steps were constructed, which exist to date.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/true-or-not/2023/02/03/quickcheck-were-the-272-steps-going-up-batu-caves-originally-made-of-wood|title=Were the 272 steps going up Batu Caves originally made of wood?|work=The Star|date=3 February 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624184822/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/true-or-not/2023/02/03/quickcheck-were-the-272-steps-going-up-batu-caves-originally-made-of-wood|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tajuddin|first=Iskandar|date=24 January 2016|title=It began with prayer to Lord Muruga|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/01/123704/it-began-prayer-lord-muruga|access-date=5 June 2021|work=New Straits Times|archive-date=5 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605161517/https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/01/123704/it-began-prayer-lord-muruga|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2018, the steps were re-painted with each set of particular number of steps painted in a different color.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/30/steps-of-trouble-for-temple-committee-painting-job-goes-against-heritage-act/|title=Batu Caves temple committee steps into trouble|author=Bavani, M.|date=30 August 2018|work=Star|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211073758/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/30/steps-of-trouble-for-temple-committee-painting-job-goes-against-heritage-act|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45373172|title=Temple gets stunning paint job|date=31 August 2018|work=[[BBC]]|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=12 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612122959/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45373172|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, plans were unveiled to build a multi-purpose hall in the foothills and an [[escalator]] to the temple.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-batu-caves-hindu-temple-escalator-built-2024-thaipusam-4060836|title=Malaysia's Batu Caves temple to get escalator in 2024|work=Channel News|date=19 January 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=25 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325101943/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-batu-caves-hindu-temple-escalator-built-2024-thaipusam-4060836|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:20190821_Batu_Caves_temple-1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|The main shrine]]

At the base of the hill are two caves, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, which form the Cave Villa complex. These consist of statues and paintings from [[Hindu mythology]], most of them relating to the life and stories of Murugan.<ref name="Brit"/> The Ramayana Cave is situated to the left, which consists of paintings from the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]]''. There is a {{cvt|15|m}} tall statue of [[Hanuman]] at the entrance and a temple dedicated to Hanuman, opened in November 2001.<ref name="Brit"/> 

To the right of the steps which serve as an entrance to the cave complex, a {{cvt|42.7|m}} tall [[Batu Caves Murugan Statue|statue of Murugan]] was unveiled in January 2006. Painted in [[gold]], it is the amongst the tallest Murugan statue in the world and the tallest statue in [[Malaysia]].<ref name="Brit"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/worlds-tallest-lord-murugan-statue-unveiled-in-tamil-nadu-4955624.html|title=World's Tallest Lord Murugan Statue Unveiled in Tamil Nadu|date=8 April 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|work=News18|archive-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228174717/https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/worlds-tallest-lord-murugan-statue-unveiled-in-tamil-nadu-4955624.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Thaipusam festival==
[[File:Thaipusam_idols.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Thaipusam]] procession at Batu caves]]

The Batu Caves serve as the focal point of the yearly Thaipusam ({{langx|ta|தைபூசம்}}) festival, celebrated by [[Tamil Hindus]]. The temple attracts thousands of people for the elaborate festivities. [[Kavadi Aattam]] is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees, which forms a central part of the festival.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=Alexandra|title=Divinity and Diversity: A Hindu Revitalization Movement in Malaysia|publisher=[[University of Hawaii Press]]|year=2005|isbn=978-8-7911-1489-2}}</ref> ''Kavadi'' (meaning "burden" in Tamil) itself is a physical burden, which usually consists of two semicircular pieces of wood or steel which are bent and attached to a cross structure in its simplest form, that is balanced on the shoulders of the devotee and signifies a form of [[debt bondage]].<ref name="Hume">{{cite book|title=Portals: Opening Doorways to Other Realities Through the Senses|first=Lynne|last=Hume|year=2020|isbn=978-1-0001-8987-2| publisher=Taylor & Francis}}</ref> Worshipers often carry pot(s) of [[cow milk]] as an offering (''paal kudam''). The most extreme and spectacular practice is the carrying of ''Vel kavadi'', a portable altar decorated with peacock feathers and flowers, that is attached to the body of the devotee through multiple skewers and metal hooks pierced into the skin on the chest and back.<ref name="Hume"/><ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20110823-cave-party-malaysias-thaipusam-festival|title=Malaysia's Thaipusam festival|date=26 August 2011|newspaper=[[BBC]]|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126062306/https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20110823-cave-party-malaysias-thaipusam-festival|url-status=live}}</ref> 

People also do a form of [[mortification of the flesh]] by [[Body piercing|piercing]] the skin, tongue or cheeks with ''vel'' skewers and [[flagellation]]. [[Vibuthi]], a type of holy ash is spread across the body including the piercing sites. Drumming and chanting of verses help the devotees enter a state of [[trance]].<ref>{{cite book|title=They Do What: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Extraordinary and Exotic Customs from Around the World|first=A.G.|last=Javier|year=2014|isbn=979-8-2161-5549-2|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing}}</ref> Devotees usually prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate for 48 days.<ref>{{cite book|title=Celebrating Life Customs Around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerals|first=Victoria|last=Williams|year=2016|page=334|isbn=978-1-4408-3659-6|publisher=ABC-CLIO}}</ref><ref name="BBC"/> A procession begins in the morning on Thaipusam from the [[Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur]]. A silver chariot weighing {{cvt|350|kg}} carrying the idols of Murugan with his consorts [[Valli]] and [[Deivanai]] is taken along the procession, accompanied by the devotees. After ritual bathing in the nearby Sungai Batu River, the devotees make their way to the temple.<ref name="BBC"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Thaipusam in Malaysia|first=Carl Vadivella|last=Belle|year=2018|isbn=978-9-8147-8666-9|publisher=ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute}}</ref>

==Rock climbing==
[[File:Batu caves - 2022 dec.webm|thumb|thumbtime=7|Several scenes of the Batu Caves, 2022]]

The cave complex which exists on a hillock is a place for [[rock climbing]]. There are nearly 160 climbing routes on the north-eastern side of the cave complex, called Damai caves. The routes are scattered across the sides with hills rising to {{convert|150|m|ft}}. These climbing routes can be accessed from the ground level with [[abseiling]] and [[spelunking]] trips organized by local companies.<ref name="Ong"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/malaysias-batu-caves-where-spirituality-meets-adventure/articleshow/96385098.cms|title=Malaysia's Batu Caves, where spirituality meets adventure|date=21 December 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=8 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108174057/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/malaysias-batu-caves-where-spirituality-meets-adventure/articleshow/96385098.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Transportation ==
Batu Caves can be reached by taking the [[Keretapi Tanah Melayu|commuter train]] from [[KL Sentral]] in Kuala Lumpur to the {{KLRT color  code|KC|05}} [[Batu Caves Komuter station]]. Batu Caves may also be reached by bus 11 from Bangkok Bank stop near [[Central Market, Kuala Lumpur|Central Market]]. Batu Caves can also be reached by car.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://selangor.travel/listing/batu-caves/|title=Batu caves|work=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925171549/https://selangor.travel/listing/batu-caves/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of caves in Malaysia]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Batu Caves}}
{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Selangor}}
{{Hindu temples in Malaysia}}
{{Murugan temples}}
{{Malaysian historical architectures and sites}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Caves of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Climbing areas of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Gombak District]]
[[Category:Hindu cave temples of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Landforms of Selangor]]
[[Category:Limestone caves]]
[[Category:Nature sites of Selangor]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in Selangor]]