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<p>KUALA LUMPUR: The Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Batu Caves attracted around two million Hindu devotees and tourists this year.</p>
<p>To fulfil their vows, the devotees carried their kavadi and pots of milk up 272 steps to reach the temple at the peak.</p>
<p>The celebration of Thaipusam commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman using a vel, a divine spear, granted to him by the Goddess Parvati.</p>
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		</style><div class="robo-gallery-wrap robo-gallery-wrap-id2669799 robo-gallery-" ><div id="rbs_gallery_691172552083e-block-loader" class="rbs_gallery_691172552083eSpinner"><div class="rbs_gallery_691172552083eRect1"></div> <div class="rbs_gallery_691172552083eRect2"></div> <div class="rbs_gallery_691172552083eRect3"></div> <div class="rbs_gallery_691172552083eRect4"></div> <div class="rbs_gallery_691172552083eRect5"></div></div><div id="robo_gallery_main_block_rbs_gallery_691172552083e" class="robogallery-gallery-2669799" style="width:100%;margin:0 auto;  display: none;"><div id="rbs_gallery_691172552083e" data-options="rbs_gallery_691172552083e" style="width:100%;" class="robo_gallery  "><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Batu Caves is a sight to behold as droves of devotees gather to fulfil their religious vows to Lord Murugan." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/f3a4d87b-photo-gallery-thaipusam-1.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 1"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/f3a4d87b-photo-gallery-thaipusam-1.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 1" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Batu Caves is a sight to behold as droves of devotees gather to fulfil their religious vows to Lord Murugan.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="An urumi melam troupe performs for the kavadi procession in progress." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20aa086e-photo-gallery-thaipusam-2.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 2"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20aa086e-photo-gallery-thaipusam-2.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 2" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">An urumi melam troupe performs for the kavadi procession in progress.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Urumi melam, an energetic form of Tamil folk music, consists of the musical instruments known as ‘urumi’, ‘thavil’, ‘pambai’ and ‘thalam’." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/7912b73b-photo-gallery-thaipusam-3.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 3"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/7912b73b-photo-gallery-thaipusam-3.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 3" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Urumi melam, an energetic form of Tamil folk music, consists of the musical instruments known as ‘urumi’, ‘thavil’, ‘pambai’ and ‘thalam’.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Devotees gather by the riverside to offer prayers before fulfilling their vows by walking up the 272 steps to the temple at the peak of Batu Caves." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/a0c84128-photo-gallery-thaipusam-4.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 4"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/a0c84128-photo-gallery-thaipusam-4.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 4" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Devotees gather by the riverside to offer prayers before fulfilling their vows by walking up the 272 steps to the temple at the peak of Batu Caves.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Devotees take part in a cleansing ritual before performing the paal kudam which involves carrying a pot filled with milk." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ecc71ab5-photo-gallery-thaipusam-5.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 5"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ecc71ab5-photo-gallery-thaipusam-5.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 5" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Devotees take part in a cleansing ritual before performing the paal kudam which involves carrying a pot filled with milk.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="A devotee with back piercings fulfils the Kavadi Aatam, a ceremonial dance of self-sacrifice regarded as a show of devotion to Lord Murugan." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/351c49ef-photo-gallery-thaipusam-6.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 6"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/351c49ef-photo-gallery-thaipusam-6.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 6" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">A devotee with back piercings fulfils the Kavadi Aatam, a ceremonial dance of self-sacrifice regarded as a show of devotion to Lord Murugan.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="A friend assists a devotee with his skin piercings so he can fulfil the Kavadi Aattam." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/a0443788-photo-gallery-thaipusam-7.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 7"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/a0443788-photo-gallery-thaipusam-7.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 7" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">A friend assists a devotee with his skin piercings so he can fulfil the Kavadi Aattam.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="A devotee pays her respects to the samy." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/debfb541-photo-gallery-thaipusam-8.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 8"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/debfb541-photo-gallery-thaipusam-8.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 8" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">A devotee pays her respects to the samy.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="A crying toddler has a wash after having his head shaved as a symbol of sacrifice to Lord Murugan." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6aa252b9-photo-gallery-thaipusam-9.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 9"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/6aa252b9-photo-gallery-thaipusam-9.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 9" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">A crying toddler has a wash after having his head shaved as a symbol of sacrifice to Lord Murugan.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Cameramen and devotees eagerly capture images of a Hindu devotee readying himself for the final act of carrying the kavadi." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/c9671c30-photo-gallery-thaipusam-10.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 10"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/c9671c30-photo-gallery-thaipusam-10.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 10" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Cameramen and devotees eagerly capture images of a Hindu devotee readying himself for the final act of carrying the kavadi.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Devotees in saffron-coloured clothes carry their kavadi." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/f1f7dcc4-photo-gallery-thaipusam-11.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 11"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/f1f7dcc4-photo-gallery-thaipusam-11.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 11" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Devotees in saffron-coloured clothes carry their kavadi.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="A long line of devotees carefully carry &#039;paal kudam&#039; (milk pots) balanced on their heads as they climb the stairs to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at the peak of Batu Caves." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/b1710378-photo-gallery-thaipusam-12.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 12"  data-width="751"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/b1710378-photo-gallery-thaipusam-12.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 12" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">A long line of devotees carefully carry 'paal kudam' (milk pots) balanced on their heads as they climb the stairs to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at the peak of Batu Caves.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="A young devotee with a shaved head, wearing a string of holy beads and a garland of flowers, readies himself to carry his kavadi." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/c6053922-photo-gallery-thaipusam-13.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 13"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/c6053922-photo-gallery-thaipusam-13.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 13" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">A young devotee with a shaved head, wearing a string of holy beads and a garland of flowers, readies himself to carry his kavadi.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="Paal kudam is a ritual symbolising gratitude to Lord Murugan, and involves carrying pots of milk on one&#039;s head." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/27dce492-photo-gallery-thaipusam-14.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 14"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/27dce492-photo-gallery-thaipusam-14.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 14" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">Paal kudam is a ritual symbolising gratitude to Lord Murugan, and involves carrying pots of milk on one's head.</div></div><div class="rbs-img  category2669799 " ><div class="rbs-img-image   rbs-lightbox "  data-descbox="The Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Batu Caves attracted around two million devotees and tourists during this year’s Thaipusam celebrations." ><div class="rbs-img-thumbs"  data-thumbnail="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/859d0843-photo-gallery-thaipusam-15.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 15"  data-width="800"  data-height="500" ></div><div class="rbs-img-data-popup"  data-popup="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/859d0843-photo-gallery-thaipusam-15.jpg"  title="PHOTO GALLERY THAIPUSAM 15" ></div><div class="thumbnail-overlay"><div class="rbsIcons"><i class="fa fa-search-plus rbsZoomIcon " ></i></div></div></div><div class="rbs-img-content">The Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Batu Caves attracted around two million devotees and tourists during this year’s Thaipusam celebrations.</div></div></div></div></div><script>var rbs_gallery_691172552083e = 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Devotees throng Batu Caves for Thaipusam this year

Around two million people converged on Batu Caves to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to fulfil their vows.

Batu Caves

Religion

temple

Thaipusam

Urumi Melam

Vows