Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple, Kelantan: The Buddha Statue with Golden Lips
Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple, Kelantan: The Buddha Statue with Golden Lips
This is the hidden gem of Kelantan and Malaysia. It is the biggest sitting Buddha in South East Asia and it is located kilometers away from Kota Bahru, the capital of Islamic state of Kelantan. It is hard to believe that there are 3 beautiful and amazing Buddhist temples in Kelantan itself. They are the Chinese Beijing Mosque, the Sleeping Buddha at Wat Polithivan and the Sitting Buddha at Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple.
The Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple is located near Tumpat and it is very near to the Sleeping Buddha at Wat Polithivan. The name Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok actually means “Light of the Buddha’s Dhamma Enlightens the World”, a name that is granted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand on July 7, 1993.
Sitting tall at over 30 metres, a Samadhi Buddha 22 metres wide on a lotus base of 47.5 metres, you can’t missed the statue while driving around looking for it.
Surprisingly, there is not much knowledge or data about this temple. I tried to do my research online and this is the best info I can give. Nevertheless, if you notice the Buddha statue carefully, the lip is actually in gold in colour. I was told it is made with gold or gold plated by a local from Kelantan.
Lastly, I am quite surprised by my findings in Kelantan during my road trip last year. Though Kelantan is an Islamic state but there are many Buddhist temples and Chinese food around near Kota Bahru. Due to its geographical position, travel to Kelantan by road could take up to 7 to 9 hours from Kuala Lumpur. The easiest way to travel to Kelantan is via plane from Kuala Lumpur. The flying time is less than hour. Most travelers travel to Kelantan to go to the famous Perhentian Island for diving and snorkeling.
How to go to Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple:
The Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple is located near Tumpat. It is very near to Kota Bahru. Grab a taxi from Kota Bahru or rent a car from RM 70. Remember to ask for GPS though. Otherwise ask the friendly locals for directions.
Most of the temples are located in Tumpat or Rantau Panjang 🙂
this temple is the most famous of all.. as the King of Thailand funded most of the construction o this temple!
I didn’t know the King of Thailand funded most of the construction of this temple. Thanks for the info Leo.
Nice intro bro …. I also still no time to blog about it …. Drop your sword and pray to god (Translate to Cantonese) lol
Next ….. Sawadeekap! from Golok
Didn’t manage to go to Golok as it a working trip. Maybe next time? Thanks for commenting
Wah didn’t know there’s such a huge Buddha in the state of Kelantan!
Yes, they have other few popular Buddhist temples as well. =)
Yup, I was surprised too the first time I saw buddhist temples in Kelantan..but that was way back like 20years ago..They do look amazing though!
You should have asked me. I was a monk there in 1988, before the Sitting Buddha Statue was built. The abbot of the temple ordained me. But even the chapel is no longer there.