Wat Chayamangkalaram, Penang

Wat Chayamangkalaram, Reclining Buddha Temple

This beautiful gold plated reclining Buddha of the Wat Chayamangkalaram (Thai budhhist temple) is said to be the 3rd largest of its kind (but the truth is that it is not), with its 33 meters length. The temple was built in 1845 on a land (5 acres) which was donated by Queen Victoria to the Thai community. The first monk was a Theravada Buddhist monk from Thailand, Phorthan Kuat, also known as the “Powerful Monk”.

Buddha is generally found in four positions: a seated position, a standing position, a walking position and a reclining position. The reclining Buddha representing the Buddha’s death and symbolizes complete peace and detachment from the world - the Mahaparinirvana ( Enlighthenment or achieving Nirwana ) of the Buddha which took place at Kushinagara (Uttar Pradesh).

Besides the impressive reclining Buddha, you can find many other smaller shrines of Buddha, and Thai deities. There is also series of painted images portraying story of the Lord Gautama Buddha. The floor of the temple is laid with tiles of lotus patterns - lotus is a symbol in Buddhism.

Admission to the Wat Chayamangkalaram temple is free, but do remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.

Open hours: 6.00am - 5:30pm
Location: Lorong Burmah, 10250 Penang
(Between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi area approx 10 mins from Georgetown)

Related Guides:

• Meaning of Buddha Images