IPOH: A beautifully engraved float displayed at the Wat Siribunya Maggarama Buddhist Temple here has captivated devotees and visitors alike during this year’s Wesak Day celebrations.
The float, meticulously carved from wood, styrofoam and adorned with traditional motifs, stood out as a symbol of devotion and craftsmanship.
The float was put on display at the grounds of the temple on Jalan Tambun, where devotees paid homage, with the statue of Lord Buddha in it.
The temple’s committee chairman Iyeng Endin Niang said six craftsmen from Songkhla in Thailand took six months to complete the float.
He said the float was 5m high and about 7m long.
“This is a special Songkhla design float.
“We were supposed to use the float for a procession; however, due to the height, it is unable to be brought out of the main entrance (entrance lower).
“So devotees who visit the temple will be able to get its blessings instead,” he said.
Iyeng Endin said some 10,000 devotees visited the temple since Saturday (May 10).
He said many came to get blessings, listened to dharma talks, and some would join for the candle procession around the temple grounds, Monday (May 12).
“We opened the temple gates today at 6.30am, and later in the evening we have several events lined up starting from 7pm onwards,” he said.
There are a total of 10 monks from Thailand at the temple.
The temple’s assistant monk Phar Maha Lerphon Insuwonno explained the significance of the float to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Buddha.
Devotee Lee Som Mat, 64, a retired civil servant of mixed Chinese-Siamese blood, said he was returning to the temple after 40 years.
Originally from Taiping in Perak, but now living in Kuantan, Pahang, Lee said this year he decided to come to the temple with his sister and her family.
“When I was younger, my father used to bring me here almost every year.
“Then as time passed, I used to go back to Taiping for Wesak Day,” he said.
Another visitor, G Megala, a doctor, with her cardiologist husband and three sons.
Megala, who originally hails from Penang, said every year without fail, she used to visit the Buddhist Temple in Penang.
However, after getting married and settling in Ipoh, she usually comes to this temple yearly.
“Although I am a Hindu, I will make it a point to come to offer my prayers and get blessings for the whole family,” she added.
