Sole Siamese Wat In Gua Musang, Draws Both Local And Foreign Tourists

By Afifitri Muhammad

GUA MUSANG, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Wat Uthissak Thammo Wararam which is the only Buddhist wat in Gua Musang and the first in Malaysia with nine 'chedi' or Buddhist stupas on its roof is among the attractions of Buddhists and tourists from home and abroad, here.

Featuring the same architectural design as in Thailand, the wat which is more than 35 years was built on a five-acre site, is adorned with a golden dragon sculpture on the side of the steps, besides having public hall facilities and an ordination hall or ubosot.

The head monk of the wat, Phor Than Lee said the wat, which was founded by a famous former monk at Wat Machimmaran, Tumpat, Phor Than Tit in 1989, also organises the Tod Pha-Pa or Thod Kathin celebration as well as the Chinese New Year and Wesak Day celebrations every year. .

"Every year we receive more than 400 visitors from outside Gua Musang to celebrate the festival here. Some are from as far as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Johor and many more places," he told Bernama

The Wat in Kampung Chegar Bonggor Batu 5, here it is located in the middle of the boundary line between the constituencies of Galas and Nenggiri which is now facing a by-election.

Phor said the wat besides functioning as a place of worship, is also open to tourists from various races at all times.

"We are always open to tourists. Foreigners or tourists who want to come here to take pictures and so on are very welcome," he said.

He said the wat also provides opportunities for Buddhists from all over the country to become monks that emphasises on ethics, spiritual practices, meditation, and Buddhist teachings.

Interestingly, Phor said the wat was a victim of the yellow flood in 2014 and a witness to the unity of people from various races and religions in the country who were present to lend a hand to repair and clean up the wat after the flood receded.

"When I was building this wat, many people come to help. Some gave food, some made delicious dishes, some came to wash the wat and some came out to help around and so on," he said.

Meanwhile, Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said they accepted any proposal from Wat Uthissak Thammo Wararam to hold various community programmes in conjunction with this national month.

"I think we follow what is suggested by the local leaders, if they suggest me there is no obstacle, in fact they will encourage more. As usual, we will support in terms of funds, donations and food and drink and so on.

"We strongly encourage the Wat to implement and organise activities in conjunction with the National Month to foster the spirit of patriotism among the young generation in the area," he said.

-- BERNAMA