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.
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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