note to Batu Caves
excerpted from Wikipedia:
Batu Caves is a limestone hill consisting of a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district, 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The cave complex sits 100m above ground and is accessed by 272 concrete steps.
The caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Tamil God of War. It is the focal point of the Hindu festival of
Thaipusam in Malaysia.
During Thaipusam, devotees perform ceremonial worship of Murugan, including acts of mortification of the flesh, imploring for his help and tidings.
