The gorgeous pediment of Wat Nikrodharam, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
One of the interesting landmarks and religious architecture found in the Kedah state capital of Alor Setar is the Wat Nikrodharam, a Siamese temple. Built in 1968, it’s an imposing edifice within a complex with the main temple at the center and located between Jalan Telok Wanjah and Jalan Stadium.
What is striking is its architecture that has Thai elements infused with some Chinese motifs, an influence borne by a minority of Chinese Buddhist and Thais (Indians also form the minority) living in the state. Kedah is nearer the Thai border than the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
As can be expected in a wat, there are plenty of stunning details and colors. From nagas to the garuda, icons of Thai Buddhism, from multitiered roofing to serpentine roof finials called lamyong. What’s more interesting, it has a Buddha figure that has three faces and four pairs of arms, which recall Hindu iconography.
Check additional images below.
Left, image of the Buddha; right, detail of a naga in one of the stupaLeft, detail of the pediment of the Wat;s front; Right, Buddhist altar near the WatWat Nikrodharam, a Thai Buddhist structure that is the center of Buddhist veneration in Alor Setar. Because most adherents are minority chinese, notice the chinese style of architecture in the kiosk by the gate.
Closer to the southern border of Thailand than to Kuala Lumpur, the state capital of Kedah has interesting architecture that the traveler can visit. Alor Setar Architecture is mostly historic and heritage enthusiasts will definitely enjoy these old structures. Apart from these heritage buildings, there are also a few modern…
The more I see of Alor Setar, the more I think that it is an architecture enthusiast's city. There are just many notable Asian and modern architecture in the city. Thai/Chinese at Wat Nikrodharam, Zahir and Albukhary mosques, as well as modern Menara Alor Setar. But there's another one with…
At the main city center just within a stone's throw from the Masjid Zahir and Balai Besar is a beautiful octagonal tower which looks more like a church belfry in the Philippines. The Balai Nobat is actually a storage place for royal musical instruments used in ceremonies. It was first…
from a far, I really thought this was chinese! but still beautiful..
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Great read – there must be thousands of people who would like to travel around the world. I took a year out 9 years ago and met my wife. The trip changed my life for sure and quiet a few of the people I met still keep in contact. Online Travel Agencies
from a far, I really thought this was chinese! but still beautiful..
Great read – there must be thousands of people who would like to travel around the world. I took a year out 9 years ago and met my wife. The trip changed my life for sure and quiet a few of the people I met still keep in contact. Online Travel Agencies