|
"This is a famous Burmese temple in Georgetown City in Penang. Upon entering the temple, one will find a pair of large stone elephants at the entrance, on guard."
Introduction
A place of serenity that invites meditation and much appreciation of the Buddhist religion, the Dharmikaramma Burmese Buddhist Temple is holds dear the image of Buddha in every corner. From the many statues of Buddha in different poses of meditation, donated by temple devotees, to the beautiful murals depicting scenes from the journey of Prince Siddharta before he finally became Buddha and reached the state of Nirvana.
One of the most notable features found in the temple is the pair of Panca Rupa, or 'Guardian Protectors of the World', standing over a replica of the world globe. These mystical beasts are said to be the masters of water, land and air, with appendages of various animals – the head of a lion with a trunk like an elephant, body of fish, wings of the mystical Garuda, ears and hooves of a horse and horns of a deer. You can also find a charming fish pond and Boddhi tree within the pagoda grounds.
Buddhist Temples in Penang welcomes visitors to explore the temple grounds. A temple visit is certainly an educational and pleasurable experience as it completely removes the visitor from the hectic tempo of the city and gives a good douse of good vibe and good karma during your trip to Georgetown.
History
The first Buddhist temple in Penang, the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple was consecrated in 1805. One of two major Buddhist temples located within the Theravada Buddhist (mainly of Thai and Burmese origin) enclave surrounding Burma Lane, the Dhammikarama temple was built on land donated by a Buddhist devotee known as Nyonya Betong.
Events & Festivals
The temple is also the place to be, since many festivities such as Wesak Day and the Water Festival (known as Thankyan) are celebrated with worshippers young and old splashing water at each other and at passers-by in much the same fashion as the 'Songkhra' festival celebrated in Thailand.
People
A great number of the Chinese community in Penang are Buddhist devotees. However, the island also has a significant number of Thai and Burmese Buddhist descendants whose predecessors arrived in Penang under the 'open door' policy of Francis Light.
Travel Advice
As with the Mosques and Hindu Temples, be sure to remove your shoes before you enter the temple proper (just keep your eyes out for rows of shoes sitting on the steps leading to certain prayer halls and follow suit).
For more information, please contact:
Penang Tourism Action Council
56th Floor, KOMTAR
10000 Penang
Tel : 604-262 0202
Fax : 604-2631020
Email : enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my
OR
Penang Tourist Centre on Persiaran KingEdward, at +604-261 6663
Last viewed - May 17, 2008
|
