In the steamy rain forests of Malaysia, just a few miles outside of  Kuala Lumpur, a single large monolithic mountain juts skyward from the jungle floor.   Nestled inside the mountain are the three caves that are called Batu Caves.  Nearly 185 feet from the forest floor is the entrance to the largest of the caves, an incredible limestone cave with a vaulted, stalactite encrusted, ceiling nearly 200 feet high.  This beautiful cave is known as the Temple Cave.

Teaming with exotic parasitic plants, colorful birds, monkeys, and gigantic bats, Batu Caves is like no other place on earth.  In the lower, relatively untouched caves, a fairly diverse range of cave animals can be encountered, including several species found nowhere else in the world!

The Batu Caves were first discovered by Europeans in 1879, but the caves have been in use by indigenous people since prehistoric times.

In the Hindu month of Thai, on the day of the full moon, devout Hindu offer prayer and a sacred palanquin to Lord Murugan (also known as the 'six-faced God').  The festival of Thaipusam represents a sacred pilgrimage of colossal proportions.  Over one million people gather at this spot during the 7 day celebration. 

On the eve of the festival, the jewel encrusted image of Lord Murugan is taken from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Bandar in Kuala Lumpur.   Transported on a chariot of silver, worshipers follow a procession to Batu Caves where the image is placed in the Temple Cave.

Hindus taking part in the Thaipusam purification ceremony, prepare themselves by fasting, or only eating small amounts of certain foods and maintaining near-trance, discipline and focus.
 

As evidence, of this discipline and focus, penitents carry kavadis, ornate and heavy frames that are supported by metal spikes and skewers inserted in the bearer's body.  Many penitents also drive metal pins, rings, and sharp metal hooks, through ears, tongues, lips, and every other part of the body, in fulfillment of their vows for favors or forgiveness received.   Under intense physical discomfort,  the  penitents struggle in the searing heat and humidity, as they chant their way up the 272 steps to the entry of the Temple Cave.

Deep below the Temple Cave lies a two-kilometer long network of relatively untouched caverns called the Dark Cave.  To maintain the cave's diverse ecology, public access is restricted, a private company however, offers guided tours to the caves.

There are many restaurants on the grounds surrounding Batu Caves, however, only vegetarian fare is served.  

by: Dr. Von Zuko 1998©     

Snake Temple: Penang Malaysia

Situated at Sungai Kluang on the island of Penang and built in 1850, the temple is dedicated to a Buddhist priest Chor Soo Kong, who was believed to possess miraculous healing powers. Legend has it that this religious man had given refuge to the snakes of the jungle, and when the temple was completed, the snakes mysteriously appeared in and around the temple.

While it was originally named the "Temple of the Azure Cloud" due to the beauty of the Penang sky, to this day, the temple is a sanctuary for venomous pit-vipers.  The snakes are said to be the 'servants' of the departed Buddhist priest. 

Numerous poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, can be seen slithering across the floors, and alters of the Temple.  They coil harmlessly around the statuary, pillars, and beams, they are even tangled within the potted plants.  The snakes are believed to be rendered docile and harmless by the smoke of continuously burning incense and joss-sticks. 

While there are many snakes living in the temple, and visitors are permitted (and even encouraged) to handle them, they have not been known to harm any of the numerous visitors to the temple.   

If you are ever in Penang, and feeling adventurous, you will be happy to know that admission to the "Temple of the Azure Cloud" is free.
 

by: Dr. Von Zuko 1998©