It is quite common to see 'wat' rather than 'tokong' here in Perlis, due to its long standing within Siam jurisdiction and protectorate.
It would not have been a complete exploration, if I could not make a visit to at least one wat or Thai Buddhist temple here in Perlis. The common sight of vehicles bearing Thai plate numbers and Perlis close proximity with southern Thailand border affirmed my belief that Siamese influence is still significant among the people here up until today.
I started to google for it and found there are 7 numbers of wats, which to me, can be considered quite significant in number, due to the small size of the state. I decided to chose Machimaprasit Wat , located in Kampung Jejawi, Kangar for my visitation.
Located within 5 KM from Federal Hotel , Kangar, it is a calming sanctuary for those who seek solace and meditation, with greenery on each side of the road & a few houses along the way towards its main gate.
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| Entrance to the wat |
As I came closer I realized the colorful stupa-structured like gate is actually made up of many dedicated shrines. Each line up, with different color and design on each side of the temple hence, creating an enclosure for the area.
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| Stupa like structured line up on each side of the temple area |
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| An enclosure is created for the temple |
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| Few shrines that are distinguished from the rest such as this |
Little fact on stupa;
Stupa is used to store relics that are precious among devotees. Some are built within the vicinity of the temple area while others are built at the center of a temple. And depending on origin of influence of Buddha teaching, the shape of stupa might vary. I have visited Burmese Buddha Temple which is located in Sentul and its stupa is slightly rounded and less pointy as compared to Thai Buddhist temple as shown in pictures above.
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| Three headed bust on top of another gate to the temple court |
It is not known if the three ( or four) face figure is inspired by Three Faces Guan Yin or perhaps as a sign to those who believe that the deity is watching in all four direction. When one prone to look at the statue too long and such gesture is being infused with all the reading regarding the story behind Guan Yin, one tend to think perhaps it is erected for such purpose as guardian.
There are 4 Buddha statues on each side of the small gate that leads to the temple court.
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| Buddha on lottus |
For an observer cum tourist like me, this building which is called ubosot is the main attraction of the temple complex. It is hard not to miss the elaborate design on its roof, where bird like symbols sit on each roof peaks, one of several features that distinguish between Thai, Burmese and Chinese Buddhist temples in Malaysia.
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| Ubosot |
Inside the building is where the main hall is located, a congregation place for monks and devotees. Since the building was closed I can only guess that the inside of this building is where the main hall is located. Monks and devotees converged here to perform religious activities.
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| Chofa looking proud |
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| Naga on each side of staircase |
As I pondered on the structure before me, I can only deduce that to be able to produce such beautiful design requires not only passion but a strong devotion and understanding on the purpose of producing such masterpiece. Each of the symbols and engraving produced are meant to deliver message to those who believe that everything in this world has an impact on a person once come in contact with it.
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