Wat Rajchaphohong is a Thai Buddhist Temple in Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Localities in this rural area is often fluid, as in addition to Penanti, the area is also considered part of Ara Kuda. It is located off Jalan Ara Kuda (State Route P119). Rajchaphohong temple, was build in 1931 by the Siamese community’s forefathers. The Siamese village nest to its built on the temple’s land and there are 38 families living there. The early Siamese normally settled around Siamese temple in Penang, most lived on temple land. There are now 2,000 local Siamese in Penang but they are an active community in Penang, with the support of Siamese Chinese and local Chinese community, they are still able to hold festivals, cultural and religion activities. So, if you at Penang, you can see the Siamese community at Wat Rajchaphohong.
The entrance of Wat Rajaphohong.
The ground of wat rajaphohong.
This is Dewan Dharmasala,Wat Rajchaphohong. It is one of the main building of the temple. It was officially opened by the Chief Minister of Penang Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on 9 June, 2001. Installed on the far end of the wall are three Buddha images. All along the walls are murals depicting various scenes from Buddhist legends.
The scenery of Wat Rajchaphohong
The ground of Wat Rajchaphohong
The one of scenery at Wat Rajchaphohong
One of the building at Wat Rajchaphohong
SONGKRAN AND LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL
The video we take it from youtube about Songkran Festival at Wat Rajchaphohong Hope you will enjoyed watching this video =)
Songkran and Loy Krathong festival is held annually at Wat Rajchaphohong. Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the “Water Festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad luck. It is celebrate as the traditional New Year’s Day from 13 to 15 April. Loy Krathong is held on the full moon on the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. A raft is decorated with elaborately –folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense stick and other than that. Thai people believe that floating a raft on the river is to honor and respect to the Goddess of Water. Also floating a raft in the river is to apologize to the Goddess of the Water for the bad things we have done to the river during the past year. “Loy” means “float” and “Krathong” is a raft, about a hand span in diameter, traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk.
WESAK DAY
One of the event at Wat Rajchaphohong is during Wesak Day. Buddhists in Malaysia celebrate Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death on Wesak Day. It is sometimes referred to as Buddha's Birthday, Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima. Wesak Day is celebrated on the Sunday that is closest to May's full moon. This holiday is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar as it commemorates three significant events in Gautama Buddha’s life – namely his birthday, his enlightenment and his passing away.The observance of Wesak begins at dawn when Buddhists gather in temples. They meditate on the precepts of Buddhism. Those who follow these precepts should honour life, show generosity, embrace celibacy and use speech wisely. They should also refrain from alcohol and only eat at certain times. The precepts also forbid listening to music, adorning one's body and sleeping too much.Attendees at Wesak Day services also make donations and pray. They offer flowers and candles. These offerings remind them that everything is temporary. Flowers wither and candles burn. Monks chant the teachings of Buddha, and the flag of Buddha is raised. A number of temples will give away flags of Buddha before Wesak, and people hang these flags in their homes. Those who visit the building also light candles shaped like lotuses and ask for Buddha's blessings. They say prayers and end their celebration with a vegetarian.
STEAMBATH AND HERBAL SAUNA
Wat Rajchaphohong also provides steambath or known as herbal sauna for the communities who come to the Wat Rajchaphohong. It closed in Wednesday and start open at 8.am. The fee is free but you can give donation as much as you want before you enter steambath. The money from the donation will use to buy the ingredients that use in steambath like herbals. The steam is infused with an intensely fragrant mix of fresh herbs and spices, including lemongrass, basil, mint, rosemary and eucalyptus. These ingredients are prepared and placed in water that is heated on an open fire burning below the shed. The effect is like a steam-slap in the face, but you quickly acclimatise and with each deep breath, the herbs work their magic with opening up pores and cleansing lungs. Once you feel suitably relaxed, its time for a quick “shower” using a big earthern pot which is filled with fresh water from an underground well.. Use it every time you need relaxation or after your workout to help flush toxins from your muscles. Be aware of your health condition. Stay out of the steam sauna if you are ill, pregnant, if you have been drinking alcohol, suffer from heart disease, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, or any other condition that may affect your body's reaction to high temperatures. You also are not allowed wear jeans if you want enter this steambath. We are informed by the owner that we should to drink plenty of water before entering, and spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes at one visit.
Steam bath uses heat effects like the classic dry sauna. The temperature inside is lower than in the traditional sauna and it oscillates around 40-50 °C. Another difference is the exposure to 100% humidity. The effect of moist heat on our body has many positive benefits:
Support to the cardiovascular system
Muscle relaxation
Mental relaxation and increased resistance to stress
Support of nervous and hormonal functions
Increased metabolism (improvement of metabolism)
Released airways helping with asthma and severe allergies
Supporting detoxification
Alleviating painful musculoskeletal conditions
Supporting to the immune system
A visit to the steam saunais suitable for the purposes of both regeneration and relaxation for athletes and as an element of:
treatment of chronic airway inflammation
slightly elevated blood pressure
chronic rheumatic diseases
chronic inflammation of the pelvis
Let’s go to the steambath Wat Rajchaphong and start relaxing in a good way!
The donation box for people who come to give donation
The situation at outside the steambath
Thai's Food
Near Wat Rajchaphohong there is the hawker and stalls that sell thai's food. This is because threre are many siamese communities living there. So, if you want to feel live at thailand ,you can go here. We had tasted thai's food at the stalls near Wat Rajchaphohong before we go back. Yes, we admit it , the foods are so delicious and you will not regret if you eat it.
This is what they called " Lengkong Lemon" .You should try it =)
This one of the famous "laksa" at this place .It is called as " laksa Siam" and we sure that you will not regret if you eat it.
"Rojak Buah" also have at this stalls.
This is Asam Laksa and it tastes a bit sour .
Our happy face after finished our meals ...heeeeeee
This is all from us. So, if you want to know about Siamese culture ,you don't need to go to Thailand. Just come here and you will feel life at Thailand. Hope you will enjoyed and Goodbyeeeee =D
