Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is a Theravada Buddhist temple located on Burma Lane in Pulau Tikus, George Town, Penang. Established in 1803, it is the oldest and only Burmese temple in Malaysia. The temple is known for its Burmese architecture, ornate pagoda, standing Buddha image, murals depicting the life of the Buddha, and serene gardens with ponds. Situated opposite Wat Chaiyamangkalaram, it serves as a center for the Burmese community and visitors.

Visitors can expect a tranquil temple complex with Burmese-style architecture, including a main shrine hall, pagoda, bell tower, and Sima hall. The grounds feature well-maintained gardens, lotus ponds with fish and turtles, statues of Buddha in various postures, intricate wood carvings, and murals illustrating the life of the Buddha. The temple is compact and walkable, located directly opposite the Thai temple Wat Chaiyamangkalaram on Burma Lane.

Established in 1803 by Burmese settlers led by Nyonya Betong, the temple was originally known as Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple. It was granted land by the British colonial administration and is recognized as the first and only Burmese temple in Malaysia. The temple has undergone several expansions, including the addition of the pagoda, Sima hall and other structures reflecting traditional Burmese craftsmanship.

The temple serves as the principal centre for the Burmese Buddhist community in Penang and Malaysia, practicing Theravada Buddhism. It is an important place of worship, meditation and cultural preservation, hosting religious festivals such as Thingyan (Burmese New Year) and Vesak. Its architecture and artworks reflect Burmese cultural heritage and its location opposite the Thai temple symbolizes the multicultural harmony of George Town.