In 1890, K Thambusamy Pillai, founder of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in KL, placed a statue of Lord Murugan inside the main Batu cavern, the so-called Temple Cave (actually two enormous caverns joined by a short flight of stairs). At the foot of 272 steps leading to the main dome-shaped cavern stands a 42.7m golden statue of Murugan. It was erected in 2006 and is said to be the largest in the world.
Inside the first cavern, at the top of the stairs, are the Murugan’s six abodes carved into the walls. The second cavern holds the temple of Valli Devanai, Murugan’s wife. Prayer times are held at 8.30am and 4pm.
Murugan, son of Shiva and Hindu god of war, is widely worshipped in Tamil, and Tamil diaspora, areas.
