Top 5 Facts About Lord Murugan Statue At Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. They are dedicated to Lord Murugan. The caves make the focal point for the Tamil festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia. Interesting right? The Murugan temple in Batu Caves are managed by he Board of Management of Shri Mariamman Temple. This board also manages other important Hindu temples in Malaysia and is also a Hindu Consultant body to the government there. There are various facts about this cave and temple which we will be talking about today. 

1. Lord Murugan Statue is the Tallest in the World 

It is one of the tallest statues located in a temple and measures around 140 feet tall and stands beside 272 steps leading to the Batu caves. It was built in 2006 and is dedicated to even Lord Ganesha who is the brother to Lord Murugan. Lord Ganesha is known for removing obstacles and the God of victory and war. 

2. The Intial Lord Murugan Statue was Small 

The caves were not always the play of worship it was made so by an Indian trader known as K. Thamboosamy Pillai. Thamboosamy had installed a small statue of Lord Murugan in the caves in 1892. It is believed that he was inspired by the shape of the cave, which resembled a vel.

3. About 15 Sculptors were Comissioned to Carve the Lord Murugan Statue 

The huge statue required the work of 15 skilled sculptuors from around India who worked together for three years to build the statue. They required 350 tons of steel bars, 300l of gold paint, and 1,550 cubic meters of concrete.

4. Lord Murugan Statue is at a Strategic Location 

The statue is located at one of the most remarkable parts of Malaysia which is the Batu Caves. The caves are about 13 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur and derived their name from the Batu River.

5. There is a Special Ritual Performed by Lord Murugan Devotees 

During the Thaipusam festival, the followers are first required to fast for a month and then shave their head off before they carry the kavadi on Thaipusam.

These were a few fun facts about the Batu caves and the statue.