BATU CAVES made headlines recently when it debuted a colourful makeover, the most striking of which was its 272 steps decked out in all colours of the rainbow.

The temple is a popular place of worship for Hindu devotees and attracts more than one million visitors during Thaipusam. It is also a highly-rated tourist attraction among visitors to Malaysia.

In preparation for the temple’s consecration ceremony (Kumbhabhisekham) – which takes place every 12 years – the site underwent extensive structural repairs and was given a fresh coat of colourful paint.

The consecration ceremony is believed to renew and rejuvenate the positive energy in the place of worship.

The total cost of the renovations was RM5.5 million, according to temple secretary Sethutathy Kumarsamy.

However, the temple may have landed in trouble for not consulting the National Heritage Department for the renovation work.

The Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, which sits at the top of the steps, is listed as a National Heritage site and therefore requires the approval of the department.

Kumarsamy said that they had already clarified with the department and that the work cannot be stopped as it was part of a religious ceremony. – September 1, 2018.