Devotees throng Batu Caves

> Many take advantage of holidays to fulfil vows ahead of Thaipusam

KUALA LUMPUR: Many Hindu devotees took advantage of the Chinese New Year public holidays to fulfil their vows at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at Batu Caves on Monday.

Devotees, who wore yellow or saffron coloured attire, climbed the 272 steps to the temple carrying “paal kodam” (milk pots) while a few carried colourful “kavadi”.

There was a huge turnout although Thaipusam falls only on Feb 9.

A. Kuhan, 18, a student who came with his cousin, said he was pleasantly surprised to see many tourists at Batu Caves.

Another student, R. Hariharan, 23, said he chose to carry his “paal kodam” earlier to avoid the expected crowd on Thaipusam day.

“I didn’t expect such a big crowd today. However, I managed to carry the milk pot and fulfilled my vows and prayers,” he said, adding that the ritual did not as take long as it would have on Thaipusam day.

Thaipusam is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Murugan is also known as Karttikeya, Subrahmanya, Sanmukha, Shadanana, Skanda and Guha. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati presented a lance to Lord Murugan to vanquish the demon army of Tarakasura and combat their evil deeds. As such, Thaipusam is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

Housewife, J. Jeyaletchumi, 39, came to the temple with her three sons – Sharveen, 17, Darveen, 12, and Keshveen, 10 – to fulfil her vow of carrying a milk pot.

Tourist Chirstoph Dietrich from Germany said he was wonderstruck by what he witnessed at Batu Caves, especially the statue of Lord Murugan and the colourful statues of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Miguel Morano, 38, who came with his friends from Barcelona, Spain, said he was fascinated by the architectural works at Batu Caves.

Another tourist, Can Mih, 16, who came with his family from Turkey, said he was surprised to see the beautiful blend of nature and religion in one place.

The crowd at Batu Caves began swelling in the morning on Monday.

Stalls set up in the vicinity of the temple were doing brisk business offering milk, flower garlands and other items. Spanish tourists (from left) Morano, Oscar, Roma and Simona said they were fascinated by the festivities.