7 days in Malaysia- 6/16- 6/21/2024
Day 6 -Thai Buddhist temple-6/20/2024
We took a taxi to Wat Chayamangkalaram (less than 10 minutes drive from our hotel) which bought us into a very different cultural space, one that feels distinctly Thai, even though we are still in Penang. This temple is one of the most important Thai Buddhist temples in Malaysia, and is famously home to one of the longest reclining Buddha statues in Southeast Asia. Established in 1845 on land granted by Queen Victoria, it serves as a vibrant spiritual center for the Thai community and is the oldest Siamese temple in the state.
Approaching Wat Chayamangkalaram, the experience begins right at the main gate, which immediately feels ceremonial and protective. The gate is crowned with an elaborate sculpture above the entrance, rich with Thai symbolism. Flowing forms, layered details, and gilded elements draw the eye upward, signaling that you are about to enter a sacred space.
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Entering the Temple.
Walking through the courtyard feels calm.
Surrounding the courtyard are several temple buildings, each with distinct Thai architectural features with tiered roofs with ornate edges, decorative gables, and gold accents that catch the light
This small pavilion is a shrine dedicated to the Four-Faced Buddha (Phra Phrom). In Thai Buddhist tradition, these courtyard shrines are highly significant and serve several spiritual purposes. These pavilions are elevated by a few steps to denote a "sacred space" that is physically higher than the common ground of the courtyard.
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Each of the four entrances corresponds to one of the deity's faces, which represent the four virtues of Buddhism: Metta (Loving-kindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy), and Upekka (Equanimity).
Worshippers often walk around the pavilion in a clockwise direction, offering prayers or incense at each of the four entrances to seek blessings for different aspects of life, such as career, health, or protection.
The temple features a classic Thai design, characterized by sharp-roofed pagodas, bell-shaped pillars, and ornate, colorful decorations in vibrant shades of red and gold.
At the main entrance, two powerful dragons flank the gateway. Their bodies curl and rise with energy, representing strength, protection, and wisdom. Standing alongside them are two guardian figures, watchful and imposing, placed there to ward off negative forces and to protect the sanctity of the temple grounds. Together, the dragons and guardians create a strong sense of transition—crossing from the everyday world into a spiritual one.
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Visitors are greeted by mosaic-covered naga serpents and guardian dragons at the entrance.
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Standing alongside them are two guardian figures, watchful and imposing, placed there to ward off negative forces and to protect the sanctity of the temple grounds. Together, the dragons and guardians create a strong sense of transition, crossing from the everyday world into a spiritual one.
Inside, the first thing that truly overwhelms you is the huge reclining Buddha, measuring 108 ft. long gold-plated statue. Stretching nearly wall to wall, the statue depicts the Buddha lying on his side in serene repose, representing the moment of parinirvana, when the Buddha attained final enlightenment.
e, depicting the Buddha's final moments before achieving Parinirvana.
Thee scale is astonishing, its sheer size fills the hall, yet the expression on the Buddha’s face is calm and gentle, creating a peaceful, meditative atmosphere despite the grandeur.
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) officially gave the massive 108 ft. reclining Buddha statue the name Phra Buddha Chaiyamongkol.
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Around the main statue, there are many smaller Buddha figures, niches, and decorative panels.
These often illustrate Buddhist teachings, stories, and symbolic elements.
Standing there, you really feel small compare to the statue.
The Thai King you see pictured inside
On June 25, 1962, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit visited the temple as part of a state visit to the Federation of Malaya. Their visit was a landmark moment for the local Siamese community and the temple itself.
These different poses are called Mudras, and in a Thai temple they aren't just decorative, they actually tell the story of the Buddha’s life or represent specific spiritual qualities.
In Thai culture, there is a specific Buddha pose assigned to each day of the week. Many people find the statue that matches the day they were born to offer a prayer.
Along the walls behind the statues are columbarium niches. Inside those squares are the cremated remains (ashes) of the deceased. In many Thai and Chinese Buddhist traditions, it is considered a great honor and a blessing to have one's ashes kept inside a temple, especially near a sacred object like the massive Reclining Buddha. Each square is a private compartment purchased by a family.
This pose is called Phra Um Bat (or the "Buddha Holding the Alms Bowl") or Wednesday Buddha. This pose captures a touching moment from the Buddha’s life when he returned to his home city, Kapilavastu, after achieving enlightenment.
The masculine statues standing on lotus flowers surrounding the central pieces are likely the Eight Great Bodhisattvas or the Arhats (the Buddha’s closest disciples). Standing on a lotus shows they have achieved a high level of spiritual "purity" but are still below the Buddha.
This smaller reclining Buddha represent the cycle of life and the transformation of the Buddha from a prince to an enlightened being
We are now at the back of the room and we are looking at we are the Buddhapada (the Buddha's footprints), and they are packed with deep meaning. In Buddhist art, the soles of the Buddha's feet are never plain because he was considered a "Great Man." The wheel in the center of the foot is the Dharmachakra (the Wheel of Truth or the Wheel of Law). It represents the Buddha’s teachings spreading across the world like a wheel in motion. Red symbolizes life force and protection, while gold represents purity and enlightenment.
We are now leaving the Temple. It was raining when we were inside but the rain stopped when we stepped out.
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This gate is actually a very distinctive landmark because it looks like a miniature Thai palace. It’s a classic Thai-style "Pylon" Gate, and its design is all about signaling that you are entering "Royal" or "Sacred" ground.
Stand right in front of the gate, you’ll see it’s covered in tiny pieces of colored glass and gold mirrors. This is a specific Thai technique called Krajok See, It’s designed to reflect the sun. When the sun hits the gate, it "sparkles," which is meant to symbolize the radiance of the Buddha's aura.
NEXT... Day 6- Burmese Temple