Nikradharam Buddhist Temple, Alor Star

Sarah: Mummy, we are going to bathe the Buddha tomorrow?

Me: Yes
Sarah: Need to use shampoo or not?

This was how our Wesak 2009 kicked off... with a very innocent and straight forward question from Sarah :).

Since we were at Alor Star for the weekend, we headed to Nikradharam Buddhist Temple in the morning to bathe the Buddha. The Nikradharam Buddhist Temple is a very beautiful temple with exquisite Thai carvings and architecture. Although it was a very hot morning, Sarah was extremely excited. Though she still couldn’t grasp the entire meaning of the ceremony and temple visit, seeing her pray so devotedly and her sheer innocence put a smile on my face.

The temple entrance

Main prayer hall

Prayer hall outer walls

Carvings on the door

Sarah bathing the Buddha -
Bathing the Buddha is a symbolic reminder to purify our heart and mine from the three poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance

The BUDDHA

Devoted
(Photo by Harby)

May my little Sarah be well and happy always

Sincerely wishing for something?
(Photo by Harby)

Bumped into Harby's uncle and cousin at the temple

The Buddha on the procession chariot

Flower power

Prayer jossticks

Each candle symbolizing a hope and a prayer for a loved one

A money tree ... literally

Light up your life!

That's all folks. I'm signing off for the week.