In 2020, my team and I visited the Batu Caves, Gombak to learn more about Hinduism religious beliefs and their religious practices. It was an exciting trip to have a short getaway with my college mates. All of us are unfamiliar with the practices, routines, dos and don'ts as well as the language. Hence, we did have a little hard time understanding what the practitioners told and directed us. Thankfully, Malaysians are knowingly helpful and friendly, the locals who see us struggling offer help to translate and to guide us. I remained open-minded and joined a few prayers. I thought that despite having our own beliefs we should also respect others. Therefore, I took part in a few of the prayers to show respect to the Hinduism gods. Besides that, I also find people there kind and sincere because for all places that we enter no entrance fees are needed. Only small amounts of tips are collected to join the virtual and to get blessings from the preachers.
I was amazed by the interior of the temple as everything is so eye-catching, colorful and detailed handcrafted. It makes me feel the devotion of the practitioners to their gods for the effort and patience they placed in building the temple. People there are also very friendly and welcoming as we also got offered for some free food. I initiated conversations with the local practitioners that who is able to communicate in English and learned that they offers vegetarian meals on certain days for free for the poor and homeless. The foods are also distributed to visitors and those that dropped by to pray as a blessing from the Gods. Apart from that, we also climbed the 272 steps of stairways to reach the top and we also get to witness a marriage ceremony and a virtual session. We are also invited to take part in the ceremony to receive the blessings. I enjoyed this visiting a lot as it make me feel warm and welcomed as well as shining the true colors of Malaysians, who are always that friendly and enthusiastic. Not to forget, I also learned a lot about the Hinduism and I find their practices meaningful. I definitely would drop by again in the future by bringing others to visit and to appreciate the beauty of Hinduism too.
On 7th of March 2020, right before the outbreak of COVID-19 my team members and I planned our one day visit to Batu Caves, Gombak. We departed in the early morning and arrived right before sunrises as we do not want to miss any of the important prayers. Reflecting on the journey, I had fear as it was my first time driving to somewhere that far and I had my friend's life in my hands since we are carpooling. Being lost on unfamiliar roads and confusing GPS signals, I am relieved that I have my friends with me as they helped me to find routes. I am also grateful to have them exploring this place with me. We depend on each others when we were lost in Batu Caves or when we are clueless about things. I find it memorable and rather leisure than stress although this is a group assignment. I am glad that I had this opportunity with my team members for creating memories together.
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