Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple

Have you ever seen a temple with a hexagonal roof? Look up at the Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple. Its unique hexagonal roof is a prominent landmark, especially when viewed from the Jalan Yew highway. The Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple sits proudly on Jalan Tun Razak. It’s a fascinating blend of Thai and Chinese architectural styles, built in 1957, the same year Malaysia gained independence. The entrance is guarded by a pair of qilin, mythical creatures adding a touch of magic to this sacred space. The Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple wasn’t always known by its current name. It was once called Sri Saddharma Wardhana, established by a group of Sri Lankan railway workers in the early 20th century. These devout Buddhists longed for a place to practice their faith. They initially travelled long distances to a temple in Brickfields. Eventually, the need for a local temple led to the founding of Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple. The first Buddha statue within the temple has a remarkable journey. It was brought all the way from Thailand, transported by rail via Malaya. It remains a revered figure within the temple to this day. The Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple survived the Japanese occupation, even witnessing Japanese individuals participating in temple activities. After the war, Ven. P. Siriniwasa Maha Thera, the first resident chief monk, spearheaded the temple’s growth and established the first Sri Lankan school in 1947. The school, though later closed, highlighted the temple’s commitment to community welfare. Under Ven. B. Saranankara, the current chief monk, the Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple has become more than just a religious site. It’s a hub for education and welfare, serving diverse communities. Its services include a free clinic, supplementary classes, and an old folks’ home. It also organizes blood donation drives, medical check-ups, and food distribution programs, extending support to those in need, including individuals from China, Nepal, and India. Although briefly renamed Sri Jayanti Temple, the managing committee reverted to the original name. This decision honors the Sri Lankan railway workers who founded the temple. To accommodate a growing congregation, the temple was rebuilt in 1990, with additions like a shrine hall, meditation hall, offices, and a large multipurpose hall accommodating 500 people. A remarkable feature of the Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple is its impressive seated Buddha statue. At 8 meters tall, it is one of the largest in Malaysia, radiating serenity and peace. The main hall is beautifully paved with marble, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation and prayer. The temple invites you to discover its unique charm and rich history.