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Title: Statue of BuddhasLocation: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 9.59am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot. I love the peaceful looking Buddha in this picture. His eyes are staring down at devotees.
Title: SwastikaLocation: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 9.52am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
In Buddhism, the swastika signifies auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha's footprints and the Buddha's heart. The swastika is said to contain the whole mind of the Buddha and can often be found imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images. It is also the first of the 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha.
Title: The Way to EnlightenmentLocation: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 9.53am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Date: 23 November 2008, 9.53am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A Buddha statue with a polite hand gesture.
Title: Buddha's FeetLocation: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.54am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/10.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot of Buddha's feet.
Title: Temple Roof Location: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.07am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/10.0, ISO Equiv.: 180
An interesting view from above the temple. Hundreds of tiny little tiles to decorate the roof.
Title: The Red Temple 1Location: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 9.57am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A twisted angle of the red temple.
Title: The Red Temple 2Location: Mid Section Temple, Kek Lok Si, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 9.57am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A mixture of red and white.
After spending two hours exploring the temple ground and mid section, I decided to move to the hilltop. I paid RM1 for one way up to the supreme temple located at top of the hill. The RM1 fee is a minimal contribution to fund a shelter for the Goddess of Mercy or fondly named as Kuan Yin.
The 3 - 4 minutes trip up to the hilltop is an interesting ride. Visitors were ushered into a medium-sized inclined lift - the world's first. At first, I was holding for my dear life during the 4 minutes ride up to the hilltop. But, I was thrilled and truly enjoyed the ride.
The inclined lift is more of a tram - an elevator-sized glass box mounted on rails which goes up to the terrace above the existing temple where the goddess stands. I took my camera and snapped some pictures showing the lift moving up the sharp and inclined hill.
When I walked out of the lift, the Sun was shinning brightly. It was a hot morning. My eyes were squinting trying to find my way around. There is a huge Kuan Yin statue on top of a temple - a nicely crafted statue from stone.
Later, I moved on and discovered a gigantic bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy. The bronze statue is the latest addition to the temple complex - a 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara - Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin - on the hillside above the pagoda. This statue was completed and open to the public at the end of 2002.
Overall, Kek Lok Si Temple is the best temple and a MUST-SEE attraction in Penang. Initially, I have the impression the temple is way too big to conquer in one day. I only spent three hours to explore the entire temple. The walkways are brilliantly designed to ensure visitors a clear way around the temple. The temple is clean, properly maintained and blend harmoniously with the environment. Temple of Supreme Bliss is still expanding - mega donation are still flowing into the temple's coffer - mostly from visitors, individuals, corporate company and 'powerful' people.
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Title: Hilltop TempleLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.54am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
The roof of a temple in the hilltop section. Brilliant colour and patterns decorate the whole temple.
Title: The Bronze Statue Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.33am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A large-sized bronze statue.
Title: The Red DoorLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 11.07am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A red metal door at the mid section of the temple. Love the distribution of light and shadow in this picture.
Title: Avalokitesvar - Goddess of Mercy Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.44am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
This picture gave an impression the Goddess is not too happy being surrounded with metals.
Title: Avalokitesvar - Goddess of MercyLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.47am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
The Goddess of Mercy is surrounded with thousands of scaffold. Construction in advance progress to build a 16 carved dragon pillars shelter for the Goddess.
Title: Stone Carving Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.38am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A partial stone carving beneath the bronze statue Goddess of Mercy. These 3D stone carving depict traditional Chinese way of life. I believe this is a sculpture of a military or security personnel in ancient China.
The temple is HUGE! I can see the vast monastery and its buildings from afar. The small lane leading to the temple is an interesting sight. There are vendors and hawkers on both side of the lane peddling all sorts of stuff (clothes, Penang's traditional packed food, toys, hand bags, T-shirts and more). These street hawker will bombard you with all kind of souvenir, T shirt and many others memorable. This is where you can test out your bargaining skills. Try to bargain until you can get a reasonable price and if it doesn't work out, you can always buy from another hawker. I simply love the experience climbing up the stairs leading to the temple's main entrance.
The Kek Lok Si temple is divided into three sections:
a) Temple ground - the hill entrance, souvenir sellers, food and drinks, liberation pond.
b) Mid Section - temples and gardens, the pagoda, 4 heavenly kings.
c) Hilltop - statue of Kuan Yin, gardens and temples.
After twenty minutes of mini hiking, I finally reached the base of the temple. It was a clear and sunny morning. Only few visitors were visible in the temple surrounding. A good opportunity to take photos. I spent more than three hours exploring the entire temple. I have to say Kek Lok Si temple have the best display of Buddhist relics, extra large statues and a vibrant display of traditional Chinese interior and exterior design. Every pieces of relics and statues were carefully crafted. I am totally blown away when I look at those large-sized deity displayed in the mid section temple. Those are the statues of 4 heavenly kings.
The supreme statue of the 4 heavenly kings are sited in the Hall of the Devas (Tian Huang Dian), each of the Mighty Kings controls one of the four points of the compasses. The Heavenly Kings consist of Kwang Mu (Guardian of the West), Tou Wen (Guardian of the North), Ch'i Kuo (Guardian of the East) and lastly Tseg Chang (Guardian of the South).
Sitting at the center of The Heavenly Kings are the statue of Maitreya (The Laughing Buddha). It represents the center of the universe that brings happiness, hope and prosperity to the people.
Facts in italic are adapted from http://www.penang-vacations.com/kek-lok-si.html
The Kek Lok Si temple is divided into three sections:
a) Temple ground - the hill entrance, souvenir sellers, food and drinks, liberation pond.
b) Mid Section - temples and gardens, the pagoda, 4 heavenly kings.
c) Hilltop - statue of Kuan Yin, gardens and temples.
After twenty minutes of mini hiking, I finally reached the base of the temple. It was a clear and sunny morning. Only few visitors were visible in the temple surrounding. A good opportunity to take photos. I spent more than three hours exploring the entire temple. I have to say Kek Lok Si temple have the best display of Buddhist relics, extra large statues and a vibrant display of traditional Chinese interior and exterior design. Every pieces of relics and statues were carefully crafted. I am totally blown away when I look at those large-sized deity displayed in the mid section temple. Those are the statues of 4 heavenly kings.
The supreme statue of the 4 heavenly kings are sited in the Hall of the Devas (Tian Huang Dian), each of the Mighty Kings controls one of the four points of the compasses. The Heavenly Kings consist of Kwang Mu (Guardian of the West), Tou Wen (Guardian of the North), Ch'i Kuo (Guardian of the East) and lastly Tseg Chang (Guardian of the South).
Sitting at the center of The Heavenly Kings are the statue of Maitreya (The Laughing Buddha). It represents the center of the universe that brings happiness, hope and prosperity to the people.
Facts in italic are adapted from http://www.penang-vacations.com/kek-lok-si.html
Remember to visit my photo blog for Part 3 and 4 of Kek Lok Si temple.
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Title: The Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.28am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
In this picture, you can see the large-sized statue of Kuan Yin on top of a temple. The structure of the roof is simply amazing!
Title: The Goddess of Mercy or Kuan YinLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.28am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A gigantic stone carving of Kuan Yin. This statue is positioned on top of an unused temple. An interesting choice of colour - blue hair and eyebrows.
Title: The Elephant's Body Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.38am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is one of my favourite picture. I zoom in my lens to capture the carvings on the elephant's body. Another piece of art! These sculptures are located beneath the Kuan Yin bronze statue. On that day, I even wanted to climb up the elephant :)
Title: The Elephant's HeadLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.37am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up picture of an elephant sculpture. The blue sky is visible on top of the picture.
Title: The Lion's Head Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.45am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/76.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
It was a damn hot morning when I captured this picture. I was sweating profusely and my skin was 'burning'. I spent one hour walking all over the temple and its surrounding at the hilltop. This picture above shows the head of a fierce lion guarding the hilltop. Visible on the left of the picture is advanced construction works to build a 16 carved dragon pillars shelter for the 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara - Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin.
Title: The Lion's CarvingLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 10.41am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is a close-up shot of a Lion's sculpture at the hilltop. These sculptures are carved from a granite stone. It's an amazing work of art. I LOVE the wavy hair-like structure depicted in this picture.
Title: The Inclined LiftLocation: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2008, 11.23am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
This picture was taken when I was boarding the Malaysia's first inclined lift to the hilltop. I was holding my Nikon D60 camera with one hand and another hand gripping the metal support. A 3 - 4 minutes ride up to the hilltop temple.
I went to Kek Lok Si Temple on Day 2 of my Penang trip. The place is also known in Penang Hokkien as Temple of Supreme Bliss [极乐寺]. I woke up early on that day - around 7.00 am and took a refreshing bath.
The day before, I booked a 2D 1N stay at Golden Plaza Hostel located at Lebuh Chulia (next to Kapitan cafe). I got myself a one bed room with a single fan and shared bathroom. The room is facing the main road and next to a mamak cafe. I paid RM25 per night to stay there. It is not the best budget stay in my life because the surrounding area is quite noisy - the hostel is facing the main road and next to a cafe which is operating till the wee hours of the morning. Nonetheless, I have to say I am satisfy with my stay over there. The Indian boss and his family who owns the place try their best to accommodate my needs.
I took my breakfast at Kapitan cafe. I ordered a plate of nasi lemak and glass of hot milo. The nasi lemak look delicious and presentable. Unfortunately, the gravy is way too sweet for me. The fried anchovies in the nasi lemak is not crunchy but soft and hard to swallow - wasted RM4.
At around 8.30am, I boarded Mr. Lee's 'taxi sapu' or unlicensed taxi. 'Taxi sapu' in Malaysia are any type of motor vehicles that travel without running on meter. I was introduced to this old man by a putu kacang seller at Lebuh Chulia bus stop. Moving around in Penang using metered taxi can be an expensive affair.
There are lots of buses plying Georgetown and its vicinity. Unfortunately, first timer to Penang will need more time to familiarise themselves with the system. Sadly, little effort are being taken to advertise their services and coverage to the public. Most of the time, people are not too sure with these buses even though the integrated services was introduced more than a year. I spoken to a local Malay lady and she herself is not too sure about the buses and its routes.
Kek Lok Si temple is located at Air Itam in Penang. The place is a 20 - 30 minutes drive from Lebuh Chulia. My 'driver' Mr Lee is very helpful in identifying tourist attraction along the way. Once I arrived at the base of Kek Lok Si temple, Mr. Lee asked me to wait for him at a local Chinese cafe three hours later. I can see a medium-sized wet market with lots of Chinese traders selling local products such as veggies, meat and clothes.
I compiled some historical facts and figures about Kek Lok Si temple:
Founded more than 100 years ago by benevolence Beow Lean, a devout Buddhist from Fujian province, the temple was once given the name of "Huock San" (Crane hill) due to the hills resemblance of crane spreading its wings.
Impressed by Beow Lean deep devotion of the teaching of Buddhism, the trustee of Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple) in Pitt Street, offered him the position of Chief Monk in which he gladly accepted and at the same time he has been nominated as the first abbot of kek lok si.
Kek Lok Si Temple even received an imperial sanction Manchu Emperor Kwang Xi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras and some others relics that still exist today. A hand written scripts and calligraphy by His Majesty Emperor Kuang Xi and Empress Cixi of the Ching Dynasty has also been presented to the temple. As of today, these priceless heritage relics still exist in the temple archives.
In 1930, the seven storey main pagoda of the temple or the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown; reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
In 2002, a 30.2m bronze statue of the Kuan Yin was completed and opened to public. The statue is located on the hillside above the pagoda.
The current focus is to create an ornate shelter for the Kuan Yin statue. 16 carved dragon pillars are being built, the concentric roof will be inspired by classical Ming architecture, reminiscent of the roof of Prayer Hall for Good Harvest in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
Note: Historical facts in italic are taken from http://www.penang-vacations.com/kek-lok-si.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kek_Lok_Si_Temple
I will continue my reviews and travelogue about Kek Lok Si Temple on Part 2 and Part 3.
Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang - Getting Here:
Depending on your location, you can take Rapid Penang Bus U201, U203, U204, U206, T306 and U502. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Route for details, map and time table http://www.penang-traveltips.com/rapid-penang-bus-routes.htm. The most convenient bus stop is located along Jalan Pasar, at the foothills of the temple. Jalan Pasar is a one-way street. Walk following the traffic flow until you reach a T-junction. You can see Kek Lok Si towering to the left side. Turn left and walk in its direction.
More info:
a) http://www.penang-traveltips.com/kek-lok-si-temple.htm
Kek Lok Si Temple Location (Google Maps):
View Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple in a larger map
Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang - Getting Here:
Depending on your location, you can take Rapid Penang Bus U201, U203, U204, U206, T306 and U502. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Route for details, map and time table http://www.penang-traveltips.com/rapid-penang-bus-routes.htm. The most convenient bus stop is located along Jalan Pasar, at the foothills of the temple. Jalan Pasar is a one-way street. Walk following the traffic flow until you reach a T-junction. You can see Kek Lok Si towering to the left side. Turn left and walk in its direction.
More info:
a) http://www.penang-traveltips.com/kek-lok-si-temple.htm
Kek Lok Si Temple Location (Google Maps):
View Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple in a larger map
DHARMIKARAMA BURMESE TEMPLE - A divine place with Mystical Beasts and Giant Buddha (Part 3)
28 November 2008
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Title: Golden TempleLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.23am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
These two golden towers look like humongous ice cream bell :)
Title: A peaceful looking BuddhaLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.30am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A medium-sized Buddha statue in the temple. Strange...I love looking at this picture.
Title: The Standing BuddhaLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.29am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 220
A mega-sized statue of Buddha. I was thrilled to stand next to Him.
Title: The Gold Plated BuddhaLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.35am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 220
A close-up shot of the standing Buddha. I am not very sure with those drawings on His hand. The gold paint on the statue created a pure gold Buddha effect.
Title: The Begging BowlLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.17am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
A Burmese begging bowl complete with strings tied to the monk's waist. A nifty looking bowl.
DHARMIKARAMA BURMESE TEMPLE - A divine place with Mystical Beasts and Giant Buddha (Part 1)
27 November 2008
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Title: Squinting eyes and chipping skinLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.27am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot of a figurine. I like this shot because it gave the impression the figurine is squinting his eyes and skin is breaking apart due to extreme light and heat.
Title: In deep meditationLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.16am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A female clay figurine complete with a red turban and elaborate 'costume'.
Title: A hard day's work Location: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.25am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
I love all these handmade figurines. I think this is a male figure. But then again, the two lumps of hair look a bit strange to me. This figurine is actually carrying a heavy load.
Title: 3D Wall PaintingLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.20am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A 3D wall painting depicting a hunter clad in traditional clothes and armed with a bow and arrows.
Title: The Golden TowerLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.23am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/10.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Two bell shaped concrete tower painted in gold. Look carefully and you will see some ornaments hung on top of the towers. It was an extremely hot day. Fortunately, the picture is not overexpose at all! The blue sky is an added bonus to my pictures.
Title: The PillarLocation: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.24am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
An interesting pillar at the temple. I think those gold ornaments hanging on the pillars are some kind of traditioal Burmese bell.
Both Dharmikarama Burmese Temple and Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple are located side by side at Burmah Lane, Penang. I spent at least three hours in both temples taking photos and admiring the artistic statues and historical relics.
Overall, the Burmese temple is larger in size. Dharmikarama is the first Buddhist temple to be built in Penang back in 1803 - over 205 years. It has a larger compound with a medium-sized fish pond and a creative rotating wishing well. I can even see an albino shark swimming in the pond. The main attraction in the Burmese temple is the huge Buddha statue erected in the middle of the temple. The standing Buddha is a towering and majestic golden figure.
I have to say the Thai temple or Wat Chaiyamangalaram is a better attraction (more authentic) than the Burmese temple. Honestly, I felt the Burmese temple is a bit 'artificial'. It has a commercial attraction or feeling to it, rather than a religious site. For instance, at the entrance of the temple, you can see a makeshift stall selling laminated Bodhi leaves to visitors - picture of Buddha is laminated together with the leaf.
On the compound of the temple, I can see lots of clay figurines and also some amazing man-made tower. I adore these clay figures because it was crafted based on traditional Burmese facial and physical features.
One of the most notable features found in the temple is the pair of Panca Rupa, or 'Guardian Protectors of the World', standing over a replica of the world globe. These mystical beasts are said to be the masters of water, land and air, with appendages of various animals – the head of a lion with a trunk like an elephant, body of fish, wings of the mystical Garuda, ears and hooves of a horse and horns of a deer.
Overall, my trip to Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is just an OK experience. I went to the Thai temple first and then the Burmese temple later. So, basically I had higher expectation. Nonetheless, if you are somewhere around Burmah Lane, Penang, I strongly advised you to visit both temples - Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai temple first and Burmese temple later.
Overall, the Burmese temple is larger in size. Dharmikarama is the first Buddhist temple to be built in Penang back in 1803 - over 205 years. It has a larger compound with a medium-sized fish pond and a creative rotating wishing well. I can even see an albino shark swimming in the pond. The main attraction in the Burmese temple is the huge Buddha statue erected in the middle of the temple. The standing Buddha is a towering and majestic golden figure.
I have to say the Thai temple or Wat Chaiyamangalaram is a better attraction (more authentic) than the Burmese temple. Honestly, I felt the Burmese temple is a bit 'artificial'. It has a commercial attraction or feeling to it, rather than a religious site. For instance, at the entrance of the temple, you can see a makeshift stall selling laminated Bodhi leaves to visitors - picture of Buddha is laminated together with the leaf.
On the compound of the temple, I can see lots of clay figurines and also some amazing man-made tower. I adore these clay figures because it was crafted based on traditional Burmese facial and physical features.
One of the most notable features found in the temple is the pair of Panca Rupa, or 'Guardian Protectors of the World', standing over a replica of the world globe. These mystical beasts are said to be the masters of water, land and air, with appendages of various animals – the head of a lion with a trunk like an elephant, body of fish, wings of the mystical Garuda, ears and hooves of a horse and horns of a deer.
Overall, my trip to Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is just an OK experience. I went to the Thai temple first and then the Burmese temple later. So, basically I had higher expectation. Nonetheless, if you are somewhere around Burmah Lane, Penang, I strongly advised you to visit both temples - Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai temple first and Burmese temple later.
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WAT CHAIYAMANGALARAM - The Largest Thai Buddhist Temple in Penang (Part 2)
25 November 2008
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Title: Siamese WarriorLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.02am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100 A warrior armed with a weapon to 'protect' the temple.
Title: The GuardianLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.02am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A fierce looking guardian with artistic carving and vibrant colours. The temple is visible at the back of the statue.
Title: Reaching for HeavenLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 10.39am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A towering figure on the compound of the temple.
Title: BlissLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 10.36am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A large-sized statue overlooking the temple. A harmonious blend between the God idol and the sky.
Title: Bling, blingLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 10.45am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A statue embedded with pieces of gold mirrors. These mirrors create a shining gold reflection from afar.
Title: Flower MotifsLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 10.31am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A statue with multiple flower motif.
Title: Reclining BuddhaLocation: Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple, Penang, Malaysia
Date: 22 November 2008, 11.01am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This statue was only built in 1958, in conjunction with the 2500th anniversary of the birth of Buddha, at a cost of RM100,000.
When I walked into the inner temple, I can see lots of God statues - over 30 large-sized porcelain idols. There is a donation box beneath every single idols. The management practised an open door policy - visitors are most welcome to visit the temple without being pressured or asked to donate to the temple. Any donation will be a voluntarily gesture. Some devotees were seen kneeling on a piece of red thin cushion (facing the idol) and pray for their loved ones.
At the back of the reclining Buddha, I can see thousands of urns placed in individual rectangle slots. Every single urns in the temple have a unique shape and design. Visitors can read more about the person that were once alive - every urn display a small-sized picture and also some reference to the dead person. It was an interesting sight to see rows, rows and rows of urns stacked on the wall.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my trip to Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Temple at Burmah Street in Penang, Malaysia. The Buddhist temple is the best by far...even better than those in Kuala Lumpur. The place is properly maintain with monks and devotees working hand in hand to keep the place clean and presentable to visitors. I can see lots of effort undertaken to make this temple an attractive place to visitors. CCTVs are positioned at strategic location of the temple for security purpose.
