PICTURES: Famous Hindu temple in Malaysia gets UNIQUE overhaul; govt says 'originality distorted'

Batu Caves is an important site for Tamil Hindus. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA

Ahead of a Hindu ritual that occurs every 12 years, which will take place on Friday, the steps of the temple have been painted in a kaleidoscope of bright colours. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA

As per a report in Star newspaper, the Deputy Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said he was very disappointed and the new work has disrupted the harmony and originality of the Batu Caves. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA

However, the haul did not go down well with the government heritage department. The Temple’s management committee will be receiving a warning letter from the department. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA

The complex, a series of caverns set in a limestone hill on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, is a popular destination among devotees from the ethnic Indian minority and tourists. People have to climb up the 272 steps to reach the temples. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA

The significant Batu Caves complex, a Hindu Temple in Malaysia was recently painted in an array of bright colours, which sparked excitement from some visitors but angered officials who oversee heritage sites. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA