Wat Nikrodharam, a beautiful temple

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 stupa

Left, detail of the pediment of the Wat;s front; Right, Buddhist altar near the Wat

Wat 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.