Wat Photivihan
Kelantan
Wat Photivihan, also known as Wat Phothivihan or Wat Yamu, is a prominent Thai Buddhist temple located in Tumpat District, Kelantan, Malaysia. Established in 1973 by abbot Phra Krurasapia Chakorn, it attracts thousands of Thai pilgrims annually. The temple is famed for its massive 40-meter (130 ft) reclining Buddha statue, completed in 1979, which was once the largest in Southeast Asia and remains the largest in Malaysia. The temple compound reflects traditional Thai Theravāda Buddhist architecture and includes a Chinese Pavilion and a Tibetan-style hall featuring a statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara with 18 arms, as well as Phra Phrom, the four-faced goddess. The grounds also feature a Dharmachakra wheel, golden tiles, and images of Arahants on the temple walls. The temple offers free entrance and parking, with accommodations available for monks and visitors. Wat Photivihan stands as a cultural and spiritual hub for the ethnic Thai community and visitors seeking to experience authentic Thai Buddhist traditions in Malaysia.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, especially during Thai Buddhist festivals when the temple attracts many pilgrims. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed to support temple maintenance. Comfortable clothing respectful of Buddhist customs is recommended. Ample free parking is available on-site. Booking is generally not required, but check ahead during major festival periods.
Interesting facts
- •The reclining Buddha statue at Wat Photivihan measures 40 meters (130 feet) long, making it the largest in Malaysia and once the largest in Southeast Asia.
- •The temple features a Tibetan-style hall with a statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara with 18 arms, a rare and significant figure in Buddhist iconography.
- •Wat Photivihan is one of 25 Thai Buddhist temples in Tumpat District, Kelantan, highlighting the region's strong Thai cultural influence.
- •The temple compound includes a Dharmachakra wheel, symbolizing the Buddhist teaching of the path to enlightenment.
History
Wat Photivihan was founded in 1973 by abbot Phra Krurasapia Chakorn as a center for Thai Theravāda Buddhism in Malaysia.
The iconic reclining Buddha statue was constructed starting in 1975 and completed in 1979, marking a significant milestone by becoming the largest reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia at the time.
Over the decades, the temple has grown in prominence, becoming a key pilgrimage site for ethnic Thais and expanding its compound to include Chinese and Tibetan-style pavilions.
It remains an important religious and cultural landmark in Kelantan.
Place Guide
Reclining Buddha Statue1979
The temple's centerpiece is the enormous 40-meter reclining Buddha statue, representing the Buddha in his final moments before entering Parinirvana. It symbolizes peace and detachment from worldly suffering.
Chinese Pavilion
This pavilion within the temple complex houses a statue of Guan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, reflecting the cultural diversity and religious harmony of the temple.
Tibetan-style Hall
Featuring a statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara with 18 arms and Phra Phrom, the four-faced goddess, this hall showcases Tibetan Buddhist artistic and spiritual elements within the temple complex.
Temple Walls and Dharmachakra Wheel
The temple walls are adorned with images of Arahants, enlightened beings in Buddhism. The Dharmachakra wheel symbolizes the Buddha's teachings and the cycle of rebirth.
Contact
Phone: 09-725 2224
