The reconstruction of the candi found at the premise of the lembah bujang museum

Bujang Valley stretches all the way from Gunung Jerai in the North to Sungai Muda in the South. The area concentrated around the mouth of Sungai(River) Muda has been of economic importance to Kedah since as early as the 5th Century AD. Buddhist inscriptions found in the valley were proof that the Indian traders were already making frequent visits to the area during these early periods. However 2 centuries before, Malay mariners were already making long-distance voyages across the Bay of Bengal, trading rainforest produce in return for metals, textiles and other rarities much sought after in their homelands as status symbols. By the 7th century, trade with the Indians, Arabs and Chinese merchants in the Straits of Melaka had increased tremendously and the Bujang Valley evolved into an entrepôt. The early mariners were totally reliant on the monsoon seasons, which also was dictated by the wind patterns. Therefore, it was impossible to make a voyage from China to India in one season. The traders had to wait out for the wind change in safe harbours such as at Bujang Valley.

With the influx of foreigners and locals alike, places of worship mushroomed - located up in the higher grounds. Kedah's cultural development during this era was strongly influenced by the people from various cultural origins namely a mixture of Indian, Sri Vijayan and Khmer. The valley became an archaeological paradise after the discovery of the candi in the area in the 1840's. Candi came from the word "Chandika' - the name of Lord Siva's wife. She was also known as Durga - the deity of death. The candi, in retrospect has two functions. One; it is a sacred place to pay respect to the deceased members of the royal families. Two;it is a place to conduct religious activities. The candi structure can be divided into 3 sections.

Upapitha	The foot of the candi
Adhistana-Stamba	The body of the candi
Prastara-Stupi	The roof of the candi

Drawings of structures excavated from the site

Evidence indicates that the candi (pronounced 'chandi') can be divided into the Buddhist phase from the 5th to the 10th century; and the Hindu phase from the 10th to the 13th or 14th century. The Hindu structures consist of the vimana (enclosed sanctuary) where the main icon was kept; and a mandapa (open sided hall) with a roof supported on wooden pillars. The base was built with bricks, laterite or granite. A number of the candi designs found at the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Park are noted to be of Hindu influence whilst a few are of Buddhist influence. The various stone pillar bases found at several candi designs suggest architectural influences from South India especially temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Siva. The presence of the drain (snana-droni) to collect the water used to bathe the statuette of the deity and a spout (jaladwara) on the outside of the vimana where the water can be collected by worshippers, are common additions in temples in India but extremely rare here.

Hindu images have been excavated at the various candi sites such as the Ganesha (the elephant faced deity) and the Durga (the consort of Siva) and a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Buddhist images were also found during excavation at sites nearby. In 1976, 4 terracotta Buddhist images and one made of bronze were found at sites 21/22 but the damaged condition makes dating difficult.

Lembah Bujang has a deep history that goes back 1500years . The rich archaeological finds have at least sealed an important part of Malaysia's history - the evidence that Malaysia and South East Asia had already entered the international arena of economics and ergonomics a long, long time ago.

Part of an old drainage system for the shrine. Water from the altar was drained into a container through a spout at the exterior wall where devotees collected and kept in pots as holy water for cleansing.

However, as a visitor to an archaeological site so important, we couldn't help feeling something amiss whilst strolling in the museum grounds where the candi were located. Having to excavate all the sites scattered around the valley and grouping them in one area was perhaps rather more effective. Then the structures could be kept under the watchful eye of the authorities. That's fine. What we didn't get to feel was the soul of these ancient shrines. Perhaps it would have made the trip worthwhile if several of the sites could have been left in its state before being fully excavated. Like the photos displayed in the museum of the various stages of excavation. It would have certainly left a stronger impact on us….

 

 

Dated: 24th February 2001

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Accommodation and Holiday Packages to Lembah Bujang

There are several places to stay at Sungai Petani. A list below gives a rough idea of the type of accommodation and varying budgets. If you prefer to make a day trip to Lembah Bujang from Alor Setar, it's only an hour away. For accommodation at Alor Setar , refer to Alor Setar places to stay

Hotel Seri Malaysia

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Standard room for 2 + 2 b/f	RM110 nett
Family Room for 3 +2b/f	RM130 nett
Family Room for 4 + 2b/f	RM150 nett

Seksyen 21, Jalan Pasar, 0800 Mukim Sungai Petani, Kedah
Tel : (6)04 423 4060 Fax: (6)04 423 4160

Cinta Sayang Golf & Country Club

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Standard Room	RM75 nett
Deluxe Room	RM99 nett

Persiaran Cinta Sayang 08000 Sungai Petani
Tel : (6)04 441 4666 Fax : (6)04 441 5324

MS Garden Hotel

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Deluxe Room +2b/f	RM115nett

50 Jalan Permatang Gedong, Taman Sejati Indah 08000, Sungai Petani
Tel : (6)04 431 5555 Fax : (6)04 431 1555

Pantai Merdeka Resort

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Rooms in semi-detached building	RM50, RM70, RM80
Chalet with 2 rooms	RM130

Kota Kuala Muda, 08500 Sungai Petani
Tel : (6)04 437 5588 Fax : (6)04 437 5599

Novotel Sungai Petani

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Deluxe Room + 2b/f	RM135
Junior Suites + 2b/f	RM250
Senior Suites +2b/f	RM350

E-1, Jalan Indah Dua, Taman Sejati Indah 08000 Sungai Petani
Tel : (6)04 431 7777 Fax : (6)04 431 8777

Sungai Petani Inn

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Standard Room +2b/f	RM80
Superior Room +2b/f	RM90

427 Jalan Kolam Air 08000 Sungai Petani
Tel : (6)04 421 3411 Fax : (6)04 421 2423

Swiss -Inn

Type of Room	Room Rates (RM)
Superior Room + 2b/f	RM88 nett
Suite +2b/f	RM228 nett

1 Jalan Pahlawan, Taman Pahlawan 08000 Sungai Petani
Tel : (6)04 422 3333 Fax : (6)04 423 3423

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