Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

The 'enclave' at Burmah Lane in Pulau Tikus is home to two magnificent and historical Buddhist temples -- one Thai and the other Burmese. The latter was originally known as the Nandy Molah Burmese Temple, the Dhammikarama was the first Buddhist temple to be built in Penang, in 1803.

Like a beacon on a foggy day, the ornate gilded roof of this 200 year old temple beckons from afar as one walks down Burmah Lane, past the souvenir stalls selling tacky knick knacks. A pair of stone elephants at the entrance serve as silent reminders of the sanctity within.

Mythical figures and religious icons dot the spacious and well kept compound -- among them bell-bearing acolytes, myriad buddhas, chimeras and flying beings. Two huge and imposing-looking chi lings (a fabulous being that is a hybrid of a dragon, horse and a lion) flank the entrance to the main prayer hall. Chi lings are traditionally used in feng shui to deflect evil, so one could assume that despite their fearsome appearances, the presence of the chi lings at the temple are more for auspicious reasons than sentinel ones! Next to the remains of a disused 200 year-old well is a huge man-made water catchment filled with carps. Buddha statues in different meditative poses nestle in grottos marked with the names of individual donors. A pair of winged chimeras called Panca Rupa look resplendent in the roles as "Guardian Protectors of the World."

The display to take the breath away is a huge mural depicting the Great Renunciation of Prince Siddharta. The future Buddha is 'captured' riding his steed Kanthaka in mid-air with his faithful servant Channa seemingly hanging on for dear life. Evil beings on one side try to discourage him from his noble quest while the good ones on the other side welcome him with open arms. It's all done very tastefully and the more spiritually inclined may even be moved to contemplate at length on this very significant moment in the history of Buddhism.

Or one could simply choose to make a wish at the wishing pond or meditate under the boddhi tree.

The main prayer hall exudes an air of peacefulness - voices are respectfully reduced to a whisper – but the quiescence is occasionally broken by the ringing of one of the several bells found in the gardens.