As you leave the Main Entrance of the hotel, turn left until you come to Jalan Pangkor (Queen Victoria Memorial Statue featured in Neighbourhood Walk.3 dated 3rd November), turn left into Jalan Pangkor, cross the road and turn right into Jalan Perak. It will take about 8 minutes. You will see the magnificent gateway arch of the Wat Bhuppharam, also known as the Temple of the Lifting Buddha. The temple is a blend of Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism.
This Thai Buddhist Temple, built in 1942, always celebrate Loy Krathong and Songhkran Festivals on a grand scale. This year their Kathina Day and Loy Krathong Festival are held on 23rd and 24th November. Kathina is the offering of cloths by Buddhist devotees to the monks for them to make a robe and this tradition was started over 2,500 years ago. It is a time of sharing and giving by Buddhists.
Loy Krathong Festival, originated over 700 years ago from Brahmin culture, is a floral offering to the Water Goddess. Lighted candles and joss-sticks are placed in lotus vessels (loy krathongs) and set afloat to release all negative feelings like anger, envy, resentment, grudges etc. and devotees will then make a wish for the new year. There will be a prayer session at 9.30 p.m. followed by a procession at 10.00 p.m. on 24th November from Jalan Perak to Gurney Drive so that the lighted loy krathongs can be set afloat in the sea off Gurney Drive.
Entrance to Prayer Hall
Inside Prayer Hall (see Inner Sanctum at the back of hall)
Lotus Vessels made from polystrene and coloured paper for sale to devotees
Inner Sanctum of Prayer Hall
Chamber to the left of the Inner Sanctum – 2nd Chief Monk, Laughing Buddha and 3rd Chief Monk
Chamber of the Lifting Buddha (right of Inner Sanctum) – 1st Chief Monk on left and the Bronze Statue of the Lifting Buddha in the Centre sitting on the table
Close-up view of the Bronze Statue of the Lifting Buddha {see write-up after photos}
Guidance notes on how to lift the bronze statue of the Lifting Buddha being posted outside the Chamber
Monk blessing devotee outside Chamber of Lifting Buddha
Pavillion of the Four-Face Buddha
Close-up view of Four Face Buddha
Room of Lord Buddha (behind Four Face Buddha Pavillion)
View of the Gateway Arch from inside of Temple Grounds
Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin)
Taoist Earth Deity (for protection and safety of devotees) on the left and Lord Buddha and his mother (the Queen) on the right
Taoist Earth Deity (near front perimeter wall of Temple)
Rice Pagoda (left rear of Temple Grounds)
Monks Residence (right rear of Temple Grounds)
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It is my opinion that this is the most interesting Thai Buddhist Temple in Penang and it is worth a visit as it is within walking distance from our 1926 Heritage Hotel. The attraction is the Lifting Buddha. Please note that admission is free and you are not obliged to make any donation to the Temple which is open from 8.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m. daily.
My first visit to the Temple was on Sunday, 11th November and I went back again on 13th November, which is a public holiday, and was lucky enough to witness 4 visitors lifting the Buddha in the Chamber in a space of 12 to 15 minutes with various results:-
First man – 1st time he could lift the Buddha, 2nd time he could not lift the Buddha. This meant what he wished for will come true.
Second guy from Kuala Lumpur – 1st time he could lift the Buddha, 2nd time he could still lift the Buddha. This meant he would partially get what he wished for.
Third guy from Kuala Lumpur – could not even lift the Buddha the first time. Same result for a girl in their group. That meant they would not get what they wished for.
It was quite an experience for me. So I would recommend our guests (especially the adventurous ones) to give it a try.
If you want more information on the lifting of the buddha, visit the following page, read it and watch the digital movie clip. It is very interesting.
http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Thai-amulets/Penang/Wat_Buppharam/index1.htm
