Wat Phothivihan, Thai Buddhist temple in Tumpat, Malaysia
Wat Phothivihan is a Buddhist temple in Tumpat with multiple buildings in bright colors and roofs covered in golden tiles. At the center lies a giant reclining Buddha statue that dominates the space.
The temple was founded in 1973 when a local monk started the project. The reclining Buddha statue was built over several years through donations from the community.
The temple shows a mix of Thai and Chinese influences that visitors can see throughout the grounds. Colorful statues and decorated shrines reflect the spiritual beliefs of people who come here to pray and pay respect.
Visitors should expect unpaved paths with stairs leading to different areas of the temple. The best time to visit is in the morning when it is less hot and the sun is not directly overhead.
Beneath the reclining statue is a columbarium where families keep urns with photographs of their deceased loved ones. This hidden space combines Buddhist tradition with personal memorial areas.
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