Kelantan’s famed Sleeping Buddha statue has long been more than a religious landmark. Rising 41 metres in length at Wat Photivihan in Kampung Jambu, Tumpat, it is the world’s third-largest reclining Buddha and a symbol of Malaysia’s spirit of tolerance and shared heritage.
Since its completion in 1979, the statue has drawn thousands of visitors each year, serving both as a centre of Buddhist worship and a meeting place for people of different faiths. The temple itself, believed to be over 300 years old, has sheltered villagers during floods and provided opportunities for small traders, weaving community life into its spiritual role.
Chief Monk Soon Kok Wai, known as Phrawai, explained that the reclining Buddha represents reverence for Gautama Buddha’s sacrifices and the teachings of peace and moderation. “It strengthens bonds among devotees as the wat becomes a centre for worship, celebrations and consensus-building. Noble values such as unity, humanity and mutual respect are strongly emphasised,” he said.
The wat hosts major cultural events such as Songkran, drawing hundreds of participants annually, and offers free religious and Thai language classes to younger generations. Around 20,000 visitors arrive each year, including tourists from Europe, the United States and across Southeast Asia. Local stalls selling traditional Siamese delicacies and fresh coconut water add to the site’s appeal.
Residents echo the temple’s role in fostering harmony. Villagers often guide tourists during ceremonies, while community leaders highlight its importance in preserving Siamese culture and supporting tourism. For many, the Sleeping Buddha has become part of Tumpat’s identity, blending faith, livelihood and cultural pride.
Phrawai hopes Wat Photivihan will continue to be preserved as a spiritual tourism product and a beacon of Kelantan’s cultural heritage. “What matters most is that all races stay united. If there’s a problem, we resolve it together,” he said, reflecting centuries of interfaith cooperation built on mutual respect and understanding.
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