File:Wat Chetawan main shrine viewed from the east side.jpg

English: The History

Wat Chetawan was established in 1957 by a group of Thai Buddhists in Malaysia. At that time, the Thai community in Malaysia was growing, and they felt the need for a dedicated place of worship and community center. With the support of the Thai government and the local Thai community, the temple was built on a piece of land donated by the Malaysian government.

The construction of Wat Chetawan started in 1958 and took several years to complete. The temple was officially opened on 22 February 1962 by the Thai ambassador to Malaysia. Since then, it has become a prominent landmark for the Thai community and a symbol of their strong cultural and religious heritage.

Over the years, Wat Chetawan has undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of worshipers and visitors. In 1994, a new pagoda was added to the temple complex, housing a collection of Buddhist artifacts and relics. In 2007, a new meditation center was built, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace.

The Design

The temple's architecture is inspired by traditional Thai designs, with colorful exteriors, intricate carvings, and beautiful Thai-style roofs. It features a main prayer hall, several smaller shrines, and a spacious courtyard where religious ceremonies and events take place.

Today

It is one of the largest Thai Buddhist temples in the country that serves as important spiritual and cultural center for the Thai community in Malaysia. It is however, not as popular as Thean Hou Temple which attracts more tourists than this temple. Perhaps because there is very few information about this temple is known to the tourists although it is often visited by the Malaysian buddhism devotees. Even very few photographs of this temple can be found on the internet.

It has unique atmosphere that you could only normally find in Thailand. Perhaps we can even call this temple as ‘Little Thailand’. This temple seriously needs serious attention from the government so that the tourists could come and witness the unique atmosphere here and tell the world about this temple.

Inside the temple, visitors can find numerous Buddha statues, including a large golden statue of the Buddha in the main prayer hall. The temple is adorned with vibrant paintings depicting Buddhist teachings and Thai folklore, creating a serene and visually stunning atmosphere.

Wat Chetawan is not only a place of worship, but also a venue for various cultural activities and events. It often hosts religious festivals, meditation retreats, and Thai cultural performances, providing a platform for the Thai community to come together and celebrate their heritage.

Visitors to Wat Chetawan can explore the temple grounds, learn about Buddhism, and experience the tranquility and peace that the temple offers. Whether one is a Buddhist devotee or a curious tourist, Wat Chetawan provides a unique and enriching cultural experience in Petaling Jaya.

Today, Wat Chetawan continues to play a significant role in the lives of the Thai community in Malaysia. It serves as a place of worship, a cultural center, and a platform for the preservation and promotion of Thai traditions and customs. The temple remains an important spiritual and social hub, attracting both locals and tourists who seek an authentic Thai Buddhist experience.