Wat Chayamangkalaram, Thai Buddhist temple in Pulau Tikus, Malaysia
Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Buddhist temple in Pulau Tikus housing a 33-meter-long reclining Buddha statue covered entirely in gold leaf. This golden figure is the primary focus of the space and dominates the interior of the main hall.
The Thai community received this land in 1845 during British colonial rule and built this temple as a religious center for their growing population. The site developed over time as the community grew and reinforced its presence in Penang.
The temple draws people from many backgrounds who come to observe Thai Buddhist holidays, especially Songkran with its water rituals and Loy Krathong with its floating lanterns. These celebrations create a meeting point where visitors can see living traditions practiced by the local community.
The temple opens daily and welcomes visitors with free entry, though it sits on a busy street with traffic noise from nearby Gurney Drive. Visiting in early morning hours provides a quieter and more peaceful experience.
The base of the reclining Buddha statue contains a columbarium with hundreds of small chambers holding the cremated remains of Buddhist devotees. This dual function as both a sacred sculpture and memorial space gives the monument special significance for the community.
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