I used to live in Petaling Jaya while studying at the University of Malaya in the early 70s and I do remember a beautiful white and gilded Buddhist temple building surrounded by green trees and a lake. But I never had the time (really?) to visit it then. In my current resolve to visit/revisit Selangor landmarks, I went with M to check out the architecture of this building recently.
The Wat Thai Buddhist Chetawan (Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple) or simply Wat Chetawan is a fine Buddhist temple constructed and decorated in the Thai style. Built in 1962, it is located in Jalan Pantai, Petaling Jaya, and driving from Shah Alam, we found it easily using the GPS. No longer a single temple building (that I remember), the complex consists of several pavilions as well (mostly built 20 years after the main temple).
'In the glittering modern style of Rattanakosin or Bangkok School, the temple is raised on a low, moulded podium reached by a broad flight of steps. Two side doors lead from the entrance porch into the single space prayer hall where the sitting image of Buddha, ... is enthroned on an alter ... The doors and windows, ... show a slight inward taper, as do the main walls of the temple. The distinguishing feature of Thai temples is the three-stepped roof with spiky up-turned finials. The main chor fah ... is the frontmost, horn-shaped finial at the apex of the roof'.
The Bell pavilion used to be in a landscaped garden but is now flanked by new buildings, including the Amulet shops.
There are several buildings added on, including a pavilion with many holy images, facing the main temple. The Goddess of Mercy/Kuan Yin has her own pavilion nearby. Other buildings in the complex include the Dhammasala (Meditation Hall), the Columbrium, the Maitreya Buddha Pagoda, etc.
Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003.
28 August 2013
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