- Address: 17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 16-410 5115
- Opening hours: 06: 00-17: 30
- Year of foundation: 1845
One of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia is located on the island of Penang . It is called Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, is a monastic complex and is a pilgrimage site for believers.
History of creation
The temple of Wat Chayyamangkalaram was erected in 1845 by a Thai community. Land for the construction of the shrine was allocated by the British Queen Victoria in the hope of establishing trade relations with the neighboring kingdom. The first monk here was Fortan Quan. He helped not only to build a shrine, but also to organize all the work in the temple. After his death, Wat Chayyamangkalaram was buried in the walls. During his lifetime, the founder was very fond of the local lax, so many pilgrims today also bring a bowl of soup to his tomb.
Description of the shrine
The monastery is built in the typical Thai style:
- The roofs of the structure have sharp tips and bright ceilings.
- The entrance to the shrine is guarded by statues of mythical snakes, and at the output there is a legendary dragon. According to legend, these sculptures should drive away undesirable visitors and robbers.
- In the temple of Wat Chayyamangkalaram there are small sanctuaries where you can see sculptures from Buddhist history. All of them are distinguished by their exquisite beauty and rich decoration.
- The floor in the monastery is tiled in the shape of a lotus, which is an important religious symbol.
Features of Wat Chayyamangkalamar
The temple occupies the third place on the planet according to the size of the statue of the recumbent Buddha Shakyamuni. The total length of the sculpture reaches 33 m. It is a gigantic multicolored statue, symbolizing the complete detachment of the saint from worldly problems.
The ministers of Wat Chayyamangkalaram say that the statue was cast more than 1000 years ago. It was established as a monument, which demonstrates the last moments of Shakyamuni's life. The Buddha himself is made in saffron robes and draped with sheet gold.
The sculpture shows that Gautama lies on his right side, one of his hands rests on his hip, and the second is placed under his head, his left leg is located on top of his right, and his face shows a blissful smile. In such a pose the Buddha attained enlightenment (nirvana).
Around the main statue of Gautama are three-dimensional gold images, detailing the history of all Buddhism. They were created and painted by Thai monks. Under the monument you can see a large number of funerary urns. They contain the ashes of religious adherents and those who are counted as saints.
Features of visit
Visiting the temple of Wat Chayyamangkalaram is free. You can enter it at 06:00 in the morning and before 17:30 in the evening each day. Before entering, all guests should take off their shoes and close their elbows and knees. If you decide to be photographed against the background of the inner splendor of the shrine, then you should not become a back to the Buddha, only face or side.
The monastery celebrates 4 holidays : the anniversary of the construction of the lying Shakyamuni, Merit Macking (Merit Making), Vesak Day and Thai New Year. These days, here they hold solemn ceremonies, burn incense, and pilgrims bring offerings.
How to get there?
Wat Chayyamangkalaram Temple is located in the town of Lorong Burma in the state of Penang. From the center of the village to the shrine can be reached on foot or by bus number 103. The stops are called Jalan Kelawei or Sekolah Sri Inai. The journey takes about 10 minutes.