The 15th of May 2022, marks the birth of Gautama Buddha whom would have been 2623 years old today. Gautama Buddha known and called many other names like Gotama, Siddharta or Siddhattha by his followers is the founder of Buddhism. It has been noted as one of the major religions in the world today.
Wesak Day where most followers and devotees of Buddha observe the celebration marking the events in the life of Gautama Buddha, including his birth, enlightenment and journey into Nirvana, the final destination according to Buddhism.
Amidst the Covid-19 endemic, Wesak Day is celebrated rather cautiously adhering to the SOP’s implemented in temples celebrating Wesak Day. One such temple is the Wat Siribunyamagaram, a Siamese Temple situated at Jalan Tambun, Ipoh. The temple is majestically built with Thai influence with traditional Thai temple decorations. The Wesak Day in the temple started on the eve 14th of May 2022, whereby the offerings of lotus candles, flowers and incense to Buddha is done. Sprinkling of holy water is then done by the “Bhikkus”, a Buddhist monk.
On Wesak Day, the celebration starts as early as 7:00am with the lighting of lotus candles by devotees from all walks of life. This is followed by the observance of 5 precepts. These 5 precepts mentioned herein constitute the basic rules and code of ethics which should be followed by Buddhist devotees. The precepts are commitments to abstain from killing living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Subsequently at 10:00am, the Buddhist monks graced the celebration with sprinkling of holy water. Several other important activities took place at 11:00am onwards, again observing the 5 precepts, offering of “Sanghidana” an act of presenting gifts to the Order of Monks, followed by offering of food to the monks. Lunch was also served to devotees who had attended the celebration.
At about 7:00pm, the celebration continued with the “Parita” chanting, a recital of verses in order to ward of misfortune and danger. Dr. Ooi Hean Beng, the President of BMSM Perak Branch enlightened the devotees with “Dhamma” talk on significance of Wesak Day. The celebration successfully ended with the procession around the Main shrine followed by offering of lotus candles and incense to the Buddha.
Address: No.88 & 89, Jalan Tambun, 30350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel: 05-5459 211
Longitude & Latitude: 4°36’04.0″N 101°06’52.1″E
