Wat Chayamangkalaram

Coordinates: 5°25′54.479″N 100°18′48.276″E / 5.43179972°N 100.31341000°E / 5.43179972; 100.31341000
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Wat Chayamangkalaram
Malay: Wat Chayamangkalaram
Thai: วัดไชยมังคลาราม
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
StatusActive
Location
LocationLorong Burma, Pulau Tikus
MunicipalityGeorge Town
StatePenang
CountryMalaysia
Wat Chayamangkalaram is located in Central George Town, Penang
Wat Chayamangkalaram
Location within George Town
Geographic coordinates5°25′54.479″N 100°18′48.276″E / 5.43179972°N 100.31341000°E / 5.43179972; 100.31341000
Architecture
TypeThai temple
FounderPhra Phorthan Kuad[1][2]
Date established1845[1][2][3]

Wat Chayamangkalaram (Thai: วัดไชยมังคลาราม; RTGS: Wat Chaiyamangkhalaram), also known as the Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple, is a Theravada Buddhist temple within George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. Situated at Lorong Burma opposite the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, it is the oldest Siamese temple in the state.[4] Wat Chayamangkalaram becomes a focal point for the annual Songkran, Loy Krathong and Vesak Day festivities within the city.[5][6]

History

The site for the temple was cleared in 1795 after a piece of land was granted to both

philanthropic efforts of local Chinese Buddhists.[1]

In 1845, the temple was founded in the given land by Phra Phorthan Kuad,

monk which according to the local legend was also very fond of asam laksa.[2] Subsequently, making the dish become a normal offering by devotees when visiting his shrine in the temple.[9] In 1948, the temple was officially named "Wat Chayamangkalaram".[1] Since its establishment, the temple has undergone several renovations, with the addition of other structures.[8] A reclining Buddha statue named Phra Chaiya Mongkol was constructed in the temple in 1958 with a total cost of M$100,000 (Malayan dollars).[10] In 1962, the temple was visited by the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit as part of their state visit to Malaya.[1]

Features

The temple features one of the world's longest

Buddha in various poses and of the Devas
can be seen throughout the temple, particularly adorning the main prayer hall.

Gallery

  • The temple stupa structure, c. 1900
    The temple stupa structure, c. 1900
  • Reclining Buddha statue inside the temple which is considered one of the world's longest.
    Reclining Buddha statue inside the temple which is considered one of the world's longest.
  • Statue of Devas guarding the temple.
    Statue of Devas guarding the temple.
  • Urns where the cremated are being housed.
    Urns where the cremated are being housed.

References

  1. ^
    philanthropic efforts of Chinese Buddhists. This temple was renamed Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram in 1948, and its famous Reclining Buddha
    statue was unveiled by the Thai king and queen before a crowd of 5,000 during their official trip to Malaya in 1962.
  2. ^
    Theravada Buddhist
    monk from Siam also known as the 'Powerful Monk'. It is said that he was very fond of asam laksa and, to this day, the famous local dish is still offered to his shrine by devotees.
  3. ^ a b c d "Buddhist temples in Penang". New Straits Times. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2019 – via PressReader.
  4. ^
    ISBN 978-1-903471-27-2
    .
  5. ^ Arnold Loh (14 April 2015). "Water Festival celebrations off to a soaking start at Burmese Buddhist temples". The Star. Retrieved 23 March 2019. Revellers at the Water Festival "fired" at visitors with their water guns at the Wat Chayamangkalaram and Dhammakirama Burmese Buddhist temples in Burma Lane, where the three day celebrations began yesterday.
  6. ^ "Five million Malaysians celebrate Songkran and Good Friday". The Sun. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2019. Hundreds of revellers thronged Wat Chayamangkalaram in Pulau Tikus here to usher in the Thai New Year or more popularly known as Songkran.
  7. ^ Prentice Hall (1993). Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore Handbook. Trade & Trade & Travel Publications ; New York, NY. p. 140.
  8. ^
    ISBN 978-967-10617-1-8
    .
  9. ^ a b Abhijeet Deshpande. "Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Temple". Times of India. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  10. ^ "Wat Chaiyamangkalaram (Sleeping Buddha)". 10 November 2009. Retrieved 16 May 2017 – via TrekEarth.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wat_Chayamangkalaram&oldid=1185568514"