Welcome to Wat Chetawan, Selangor's only Thai Buddhist temple
PETALING JAYA : Did you know Malaysia is home to at least 70 Thai Buddhist temples, most of which are located in Kelantan and Kedah? Selangor, however, has just one – but it bears the distinction of the being the only temple in the country to have been inaugurated by a Thai king.
Wat Chetawan, also known as the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, was established in 1957 and officiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Located in Section 10 here – about a three-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Taman Jaya MRT station – the temple was a collaboration between the Selangor and Thai governments.
Its main shrine hall, built by craftsman from Thailand, was completed in 1963. The state provided the land, and Rama IX, as Bhumibol was officially known, gifted a Buddha statue and granted his royal insignia to be displayed at the front of the hall.
Adding to its significance, Wat Chetawan was entrusted by the Thai royal family with some of the Buddha's relics, said to have been discovered in India – an honour granted to only a handful of temples worldwide.
Ahead of Wesak Day today, FMT Lifestyle visited Wat Chetawan and spoke with Phrakru Siribhodhivides, who has been a monk since he was 13.
The late Rama IX gifted this Buddha statue for the main shrine hall of the temple. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
Having served at various temples in Thailand and Malaysia, the amiable monk said Wesak Day celebrations here are truly something special.
The day begins at 6.30am with morning chants and meditation, followed by 'Tak Bat' at 11am: an offering of alms. Devotees – who often bring fruits, rice or sweets for the monks – are welcome to observe as the monks perform their rituals.
Phrakru Siribhodhivides.
The real celebration takes place at night, when thousands of devotees walk in procession on the outskirts of the temple, each with a joss stick, candle, and flower in hand.
According to Phrakru, between 5,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend.
He said in most temples, devotees usually go around the main hall, pagoda, or Buddha statue. But given the large turnout at Wat Chetawan, they will congregate and make their way across the temple grounds, which spans more than 0.8ha, in loving remembrance of Buddha.
Devotees will be surrounded by the temple's traditional Thai architecture, which was brought to life by esteemed national artists from Thailand. These include many who were responsible for structures like the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
'It's all handcrafted,' Phrakru said, pointing to a gilded wooden structure below the Buddha in the main hall. 'It's actually real gold.'
Up to 10,000 devotees are expected to take part in the celebration here tonight. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
The temple also embraces a blend of cultures, with Chinese influences reflected in its rituals and architecture. This includes the presence of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
Showing FMT Lifestyle around, Phrakru noted that temple will be illuminated of thousands of oil lamps today – another Chinese tradition.
Good karma
Wat Chetawan is fully supported by the generosity of its followers, ranging from small cash contributions to the provision of large structures, statues and shrines.
Throughout, you'll find inscriptions of the Buddha's teachings. One interesting sight is devotees paying to release birds from their cages – a practice known as 'merit release' or 'life release'.
This tradition is believed to generate good karma and bring about positive outcomes. Still, Phrakru stresses that doing good isn't something that should only take place on hallowed ground.
This is the only temple in Malaysia to have been inaugurated by the late king of Thailand, back in 1957. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
'When you help people outside, even if you just smile – that's doing good. No need to pay any money. If you make another person happy, it's a good thing already,' he said, smiling himself.
This positivity is especially felt on Wesak Day, as Wat Chetawan welcomes one and all to learn about their teachings.
'Some people visit just to see how we celebrate,' Phrakru added. 'Even Muslims and Christians will come just to look. We welcome one and all – come to see how we celebrate and what we teach.'
Wat Chetawan
24, Jalan Pantai 9/7,
Seksyen 10,
46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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