Penang Perspective: A Temple View

Buddha statues overlooking the balcony of a temple building at famous Kek Lok Si temple, Penang.
Today is the Wesak Day, a day when Buddhists in Malaysia celebrate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Normally, there will be Wesak Day procession in George Town as part of the celebration.

Penang Isle: Dhammikarama Burmese Temple’s Buddha Statue

A tall giant statue of the Buddha within the hall of Dhammikarama Burmese Temple.

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is located just opposite the Wat Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Thai Temple, and is also one of the popular sites to visit in George Town. Various statues of buddha and mythical creatures of the Burmese beliefs can be found in the temple’s garden. The temple was built in 1803 and in 2011, the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower was also completed within the temple grounds.

Penang Isle: Wat Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Thai Temple

Wat Chayamangkalaram (also known as the Sleeping Buddha or Reclining Buddha Temple) is a Thai temple located at the Burma Road area of Pulau Tikus, Penang. It was found to have been built in 1845 on a piece of land granted to the Siamese community in George Town by Queen Victoria, and also houses one of the world’s longest reclining Buddha statues. The temple is one of the main highlights of Penang tourism places, attracting both locals and foreigners.

Today also marks the birth of the Buddha, the Vesak Day.

Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple Front

Reclining Buddha Temple
The Thai Buddhist temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, also known as the Sleeping Buddha Temple, which is located at Burma Lane. The temple is famous for its large reclining Buddha statue housed within its walls.

Penang Isle: The Golden Pagoda

The Golden Pagoda

The Golden Pagoda is a four storeys bell tower built at the compound of the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. Completed in 2011, this additional building was built in the Burmese architecture style. Within the four floors of the bell tower, one may find exhibition of various Buddhist sculptures, murals and artifacts. The Golden Pagoda is open to the public with free entrance. There is also a donation box inside the building should one wishes to do so.

Penang Isle: Reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram)

Situated opposite just across the road from the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple lies the Thai Reclining Buddha (or Sleeping Buddha) Temple.  The world’s third longest reclining Buddha is built within the temple.  Outside the temple walls, statues of mythical beings can be found just like the Burmese temple.

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