Kelantan is known as the 'Cradle of Malay Culture' and the state is predominantly Muslims. But look beyond and you can see hundreds of wats (temples) throughout the state. It shows how the local Muslims are ambivalent in their attitude towards Thai Buddhism.
Wat Phothivihan is a Thai Buddhist temple located in Tumpat, Kelantan, approximately 15km from Kota Bharu. The temple is one of 25 temples found in Tumpat, and is one of the most popular in the country.It is famous for housing the biggest reclining Buddha statue in Malaysia. This 40-meter sculpture was constructed in 1973, and was only completed in 1979. The construction cost of RM350,000 was derived from public donation as well as contributions from various Buddhist associations in Malaysia and Thailand.
The Reclining Buddha Complex consists of three main areas; the massive structure of the Reclining Buddha itself, 19 smaller structures of standing and sitting Buddha, and 800 cinerary jars placed in special columbarium situated underneath the Buddha structure.
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