Tens of thousands of devotees braved a scorching sun to pay obeisance to Hindu deity Lord Murugan and to receive his blessings on Thaipusam at Batu Caves, Malaysia. Large crowds accompanied thousands of devotees carrying colourful kavadi (ornate frames), pal kodam (milk pots) and pulling chariots as acts of penance and to give thanks to Lord Murugan. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan.