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"Also known as Temple of the Reclining Buddha, this temple is the major Thai temple in Malaysia. It is a colourful and picturesque temple and worth a visit."
Introduction
Wat Chaiyamangkalaram (also Chayamangkalaram or Chaiya Mangkalaram) is one of the most resplendent Buddhist temples in the state. The outwardly Thai architecture applying vibrant colours and designs, this temple which is located towards the northern end of Georgetown, is sprawled over a five-acre land.
Its interiors are adorned with a great number of Buddha statues. The most impressive feature of the Wat is the statue of the reclining Buddha, draped with a gold-leafed robe, measuring some 33 metres, which is said to be one of the largest in the world. According to Buddhist beliefs, the posture assumed by the reclining Buddha in the Wat Chaiya, with his head resting in the palm of the right hand, while the head is turned upwards, signifies enlightenment or Nirvana. Underneath the reclining Buddha are niches where ashes of the deceased are kept.
Much of the structures and statues found here are either painted or gilded with gold. There is a nine-storey pagoda standing 50.3m high, said to be the tallest of its kind in Malaysia. Other attractions include enormous dragon serpents, sprawling from the balustrades of the temple's entrance towards the meditation hall. According to legend, these serpents are the link between heaven and earth. Contrary to western beliefs, Oriental mythology holds that serpents and dragons are propitious beings, and are not to be feared.
In the temple grounds, one will also come upon gruesome-looking looking, green-faced beings referred to as Dewas, standing guard before the temple entrance.
History
The Wat Chaiya was built in 1845 on five acres of land donated by Queen Victoria to the Thai community. The 'open policy' under the administration of Francis Light, invited many settlers from all over the region including from Burma and Thailand. Until today, the areas surrounding Wat Chaiyamangkalaram are populated by Penang's Thai minority. The first monk who served at this temple was a Theravada Buddhist monk from Thailand, Phorthan Kuat, also known as the "Powerful Monk", who was said to have been quite fond of laksa, a local speciality dish of Penang.
Events & Festivals
For the local Thais, the temple becomes the focal point during the traditional Buddhist festivals, the Songkran and the Loy Krathong.
Travel Advice
Like any other places of worship in the country, it is polite to request for permission from any of the the figures of authority in the temple, whenever they are present, even though visitors are generally welcomed to tour the temple grounds. Please also remember to keep your voices down and to remove your footwear before entering the meditation halls.
For more information, please contact:
Penang Tourist Centre
Penang Port Commission Building
(Ground Floor Arcade)
Pesara King Edward
10300 Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-2616663
Opening Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Lunch break from 1pm to 2pm). Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Lunch from 12.30pm to 2.30pm)
OR
Penang Tourism Action Council
56th Floor, KOMTAR
10000 Penang
Tel : +604-262 0202
Fax : +604-263 1020
Email : enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my
Last viewed - October 08, 2008
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