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Tourism Malaysia

Kathina at Wat Bukit Perak

October 13, 2011 at 1:00 pm

What is a Wat? And what is Kathina? These are two terms that might be unfamiliar with some, especially Westerners. Wat is the term used mostly in the South East Asian region for a Buddhist temple or monastery. Buddhism heavily influenced the region, including the many kingdoms located in what is now Malaysia. Even today, there is a considerable percentage of Buddhists and numerous Buddhist wats in Malaysia. Some, like Penang’s Wat Chayamangkalaram – with its reclining Buddha – are famous, while others, like Wat Bukit Perak in Kampung Gajah Puteh, Kedah, serve as community centres and places of worship for local Buddhist communities.

The pagoda and a statue of Kuan Yin on the grounds of the wat

Many Buddhist observations, celebrations and festivals are conducted at these wats. Out of these, the Kathina is considered one of the most important. Kathina is a ceremony where robes and other requisites are presented by lay devotees to monks. Kathina marks the end of the Vassa period, a 3 month rainy season, during which monks remain inside monasteries and temple grounds. This year, Wat Bukit Perak will be holding its Kathina on Sunday, 30th October 2011 at the temple grounds in Kampung Gajah Puteh, Kedah.

There will be a simple program on 29th October 2011, the eve of Kathina, with the illumination of the temple and candle lighting around the pagoda at 7 pm, followed by chanting by the monks at 8 pm. On Sunday, the Kathina begins at 10:30 am with Puja service and the symbolic offering of rice in alms bowls.

This is followed by the Sanghadana at 11:30 am, when the monks receive the offerings of alms and have lunch. Lunch for devotees will follow at 12:30 pm. The circumambulating of the pagoda with Kathina robes will begin at 1:30pm and the ceremony will end with the presentation of Kathina robes and chanting by devotees and monks.

Those who are interested in attending are welcome to the Kathina. Any donations for Wat Bukit Perak’s Kathina are welcome as well. For more information, please visit the temple’s Facebook page

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