The heat of the day was in full force as we reached the temple. As we took off our shoes to enter, the pavement was burning hot. We ducked into the temple and it was cooler and very quiet. The rules were posted, no hats, be quiet and no Durians! It was very peaceful and there were hundreds of Buddhas in every pose imaginable. The walls were made of Buddha tiles each with the name of the sponsor that donated money. Along the back wall were alcoves where the ashes of many people were tucked along with a picture and personal details. There were an additional 12 Buddhas along the back, one each for the signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Each of these had a different posture and so folks could pray at the one corresponding to their sign
We are getting close
A row of old colonial houses
The razor wire on the fence takes away some of the beauty
We needed our sunglasses because of all the shiny gold
The front of the temple
Side building
Dragons with mirrors on them
So shiny
Four of these dragons adorn the front
Fearsome
The Buddha is 18o feet long and is plated in gold
Each tile has a name on it
Scenes from Buddha's life
Illustrated on the base of the Buddha
All around the perimeter were additional Buddhas. These 12 represented the Chinese zodiac
Leslie and I are the year of the Ox, or the year of the Cow as they call it here
Each zodiac sigh had a different posture
More parables
I thought that I had big feet! This is the largest reclining Buddha in the world
Watch out cobras!
Mosaic tiles on his toenails make it look like a fungus
It is hot out there
Additional Buddhas in the front as well
Wooden, glass, brass, stone...every kind of Buddha imaginable
The snakes shining in the sun
Guardians
A side temple
Inside this octagonal building
Very Peaceful
Such detail in every corner
More sponsored tile
Ride the elephant
The back of the side building
The land was donated to build this temple in 1845 by Queen Victoria herself
Shiny gold!
A beautiful gate
Passing by the main entrance to get to the other side buildings
Much smaller and somehow less peaceful
Gotta wash that man right out of my hair...
