Thaipusam, which falls on Feb 5 this year, is an important religious and cultural event for Malaysia’s Hindu community.
The festival commemorates the victory of the heroic Lord Murugan, chief deity of the Tamils, over the evil demon Soorapadman.
In Malaysia, the festival is observed with huge processions, with devotees bearing large and elaborate structures called kavadis. This act of religious devotion is quite the sight to behold and one must see it with their own eyes to truly believe it.
Hence, if you are looking to learn more about Thaipusam and its significance, why not visit one of Malaysia’s many Hindu temples.
1. Batu Caves (Selangor)
Is it even remotely possible to talk about visiting a temple for Thaipusam without mentioning the most famous Hindu temple in all Malaysia?
It is quite hard to miss this religious site, given how a towering statue of Lord Murugan stands outside, overlooking all who pass before him.
Batu Caves often draws visitors, local and foreign, with its long and colourful flight of stairs posing a challenge to even veteran hikers.
For years now, Batu Caves has been the final destination of the Thaipusam procession of the chariot bearing Lord Murugan which begins at the Sri Mahamariaman Temple in Kuala Lumpur.
Upon the chariot’s arrival, thousands of devotees ascend the staircase, making their way up 272 steps to the shrine in the cave above.
2. Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Kuala Lumpur)
It is little surprise that this 150-year-old temple in Kuala Lumpur, the oldest in the country, occupies a special spot in the hearts of the Hindu community.
Why does it play an important role in Thaipusam celebrations? The temple houses an ornate silver chariot which sees service once Thaipusam comes around.
Said chariot is used to transport statues of Lord Murugan and his fellow deities to Batu Caves, with devotees accompanying it all the way.
Visitors to the temple will likely be wowed by its imposing structure, with its tower consisting of five tiers and adorned with over 200 Hindu gods.
Photograph enthusiasts are likely to have a field day, capturing as many creative shots as their hearts desire, especially during the vibrant Thaipusam celebrations.
3. Kallumaalai Temple (Perak)
Surrounded by gorgeous limestone hills, this Ipoh temple was built in 1889 and is located right next to a Buddhist temple.
The temple has the honour of having among the tallest towers of the Hindu temples in the country, standing at over 20 metres.
While usually quiet and peaceful during the off-season, Thaipusam brings quite a lot of life and colour to this place.
Given that the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, devotees in northern Malaysia tend to flock here to pay their respects.
At the rear of the temple, visitors can also find an aviary inhabited by peacocks, a sacred animal said to serve as Murugan’s war mount.
4. Muniswarar Temple (Johor)
Widely considered to be Johor’s oldest Hindu temple, Muniswarar is quite the hub of activity during Thaipusam.
Dedicated to Muniswarar, a revered family deity, the temple’s inner shrine is a sight to behold, with its walls plated with gold.
With such an ornate design, some folks have compared it to the natural beauty of Batu Caves, and it’s not hard to see why.
Lively Thaipusam processions are also held here, with the temple being both the starting point and final stop.
5. Waterfall Temple (Penang)
This temple’s name is actually Arulmigu Bala Thandayuthapani, but its alternative name of Waterfall Temple is just as recognisable to Penangites.
One of the state’s oldest temples, it acts as the centre of Penang’s Thaipusam celebrations, being one of the several here visited by devotees.
If you have difficulty imagining climbing up the steps at Batu Caves, you will be aghast to learn that the hilltop temple has more than 500 steps leading to it.
The temple is considered to be the largest Lord Murugan temple outside of India and for that reason alone is worth exploring.
In addition to its historical value, the temple’s location affords it a gorgeous view of the surrounding George Town, perfect for any avid photographer.