Wat Pinbang Onn วัดปิ่นบังอร

Wat Pinbang Onn (19 February 2005)


Wat Pinbang-Onn (GPS: 5.39402, 100.30322) วัดปิ่นบังอร is a small Thai Buddhist temple along Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri) in Penang. Actually there are two temples sharing this name, the Inner Sanctuary Temple at 355 Jalan Masjid Negeri, and the Outer Sanctuary Temple, at 379 Jalan Masjid Negeri.

Wat Pinbang-Onn is the place of worship for the small community of Malaysians of Thai descent. Many of these come from southern Thailand. Wat Pinbang-Onn is the only temple that observes a Thai ceremony called Soong Prit. This ceremony is held to bid farewell to departed souls, and is a way for the devotees to show filial piety to their deceased parents and ancestors.


Drum tower, Wat Pinbang Onn (19 February 2005)


In this ceremony, the departed souls are invited back on the 15th day of the 10th moon of the Thai calendar. Chariots made of food are prepared for the ceremony. These are offered to the departed souls along with prayers that they rest in peace. Along with the Thais, some Chinese have also observed Soong Prit because they believe that this form of ancestral worship will bring them merit.

Sights

Wat Pinbang Onn holds the Tomb of Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, the first Prime Minister of Siam. He went into exile in Penang after he was ousted in the coup of June 1933.

Shrine at Wat Pinbang Onn (19 February 2005)


Pavilion at Wat Pinbang Onn (19 February 2005)


Chinese-style viharn at Wat Pinbang Onn (19 February 2005)


Portico of the viharn at Wat Pinbang Onn (19 February 2005)

Getting there

If you are coming from George Town and using public transport, Rapid Penang buses U206 and 304 pass the vicinity (Check the Rapid Penang Bus Route).

List of Buddhist wats in Penang