Wat Chayamangkalaram
Template:Short description Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "check for unknown parameters".Template:Wikidata image
Wat Chayamangkalaram (Template:Langx; RTGS: Script error: No such module "lang".), 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.[1] Wat Chayamangkalaram becomes a focal point for the annual Songkran, Loy Krathong and Vesak Day festivities within the city.[2][3]
History
The site for the temple was cleared in 1795 after a piece of land was granted to both Burmese and Siamese community in George Town by Queen Victoria during the Straits Settlements era.[4][5][6][7] In 1830, there were around 648 Burmese and Siamese people in Penang, which then had a population of 40,000.[4] Part of the land awarded to the Siamese was given as a diplomatic gesture to promote trading ties between the British Empire and the Siamese Rattanakosin Kingdom,[8] which was presented by the then-Governor of the Straits Settlements, William John Butterworth to two Siamese female trustees named Nankayo and Boonsoon as the community representatives.[4] Inscriptions also showed that the building of the temple had been largely due to the philanthropic efforts of local Chinese Buddhists.[4]
In 1845, the temple was founded in the given land by Phra Phorthan Kuad,[4] a powerful monk which according to the local legend was also very fond of asam laksa.[8] 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".[4] Since its establishment, the temple has undergone several renovations, with the addition of other structures.[7] 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.[4]
Features
The temple features one of the world's longest reclining Buddha statues as well as several coloured statues of Yakshas and other mythical creatures.[5] Measuring from Script error: No such module "convert".[1] to Script error: No such module "convert".[7] from end to end, the statue also serves as a columbarium,[5] in which the urns of the cremated are housed.[8][9] Several smaller statues of the Buddha in various poses and of the Devas can be seen throughout the temple, particularly adorning the main prayer hall.
Gallery
-
Reclining Buddha statue inside the temple which is considered one of the world's longest.
-
Urns where the cremated are being housed.
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f g Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ a b c Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
External links
Template:Places of worship in George Town Template:Buddhist temples in Malaysia Template:Malaysian historical architectures and sites
- Pages with script errors
- Pages with broken file links
- Pages with reference errors
- Religious buildings and structures completed in 1845
- 1845 establishments in the Straits Settlements
- Buddhist temples in Malaysia
- Religious buildings and structures in Penang
- Tourist attractions in George Town, Penang
- Overseas Thai Buddhist temples
- Thai Theravada Buddhist temples and monasteries
- 19th-century Buddhist temples