Reclining Buddha temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
This is the largest Buddhist temple in Penang. The colossal size is due to the reputed third longest reclining Buddha in the world. Measuring some 33 metres (108ft) from toe to tip of headgear, Wat Chaiya's reclining Buddha takes pride of place alongside other Buddha colossi found in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and China.The Wat Chaiya was built in 1845 on five acres of land donated by Queen Victoria to the Thai community.
The architecture is authentic down to the last bit of gold paint on the pagodas - so much so that one feels transported to another place and time when wandering about the sprawling grounds. Like the Burmese temple across the road, one is likely to encounter mythical beings and religious icons which dot the grounds.Walking towards the main temple, visitors are greeted by awesome looking green-faced beings standing guard before the temple entrance. Crawling at their feet are 2 huge dragon-headed serpents. Unlike the western culture (read Caucasian), Oriental mythology teaches that serpents and dragons are propitious beings and not to be feared.
The significance behind the reclining Buddha in the Wat Chaiya, with the head resting in the palm of the right hand, with the head pointing northwards, signifies enlightenment or Nirvana. Underneath the reclining Buddha are niches where ashes of the deceased are kept.
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 - 5:30pmLocation: Lorong Burmah, 10250 Penang(Between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi area approx 10 mins from Georgetown)
