Singapore, the vibrant city located in the Southern part of Malaysia, is a favorite destination for tourists all over the world. From visiting magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens to shopping at sparkling shopping centers and finding spirituality at the majestic temples, you will never fall short of things to do in this beautiful Asian city.
One of the most visited spots in Singapore is the Chinatown district. It houses the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum on South Bridge Road. This remarkable five-story temple has been open to visitors since 2007. The building also houses a Buddhist Culture Museum. The temple will make you fall in love with its mystical ambiance created by the beautiful architecture, soft chimes of the bells and the fragrance of the incense sticks.
Relic Behind The Name Of The Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum gets its name from a sacred relic which is believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha and was recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar in India. The relic is on display in the temple and stands to be the main attraction of this magnificent temple.
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Architecture Of The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha tooth relic temple architecture is inspired by the Buddhist temples during the Tang Dynasty in China. It was conceptualized and designed by Shi FaZao who is the Chief Abbot Venerable of the temple. The temple is also based on Buddhist mandala, signifying the universe in Buddhism. It is adorned with beautiful Buddhist statues and figurines, lanterns, flowers, and warm colored walls. The temple has a gorgeous interior and exterior depicting the rich Buddhist heritage.
Main Attraction Of The Temple
The sacred tooth relic of Buddha is the main attraction that draws devotees to the temple. It is placed on a ‘stupa’ weighing 3500 kg and made from 320 kg of pure gold most of which has been donated by devotees. It is placed in a hall called “Sacred Hall of Light” on the fourth floor. Visitors are not allowed in the inner chamber and they can view the ‘stupa’ from the public viewing area. Be sure to leave your footwear outside before entering the viewing hall. The Buddha tooth relic temple entry fee is free for all devotees.
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Other Attractions & Features
- On the first floor of the grand temple is the vibrantly colored prayer hall called the “Maitreyan Hall” or the “Hundred Dragons Hall”. It has a 15-foot-tall Buddha Maitreya statue and 100 small Buddha statues. There are 100 dragon statues at the top of the main worship hall signifying vitality and security.
- Another hall on the same floor, the Universal Wisdom Hall or “Avalokitesvara Hall” displays handcrafted Bodhisattva artworks and many smaller statues.
- The third floor of the building is where the Buddha Culture Museum is located. The museum boasts of more than 300 Buddhist artifacts comprising of tooth and bone relics, collected from various parts of the world, including Thailand, India, Myanmar, China, and Pakistan. You will also find different cultural representations of Buddha in this museum.
- You can visit the beautiful rooftop garden of the temple to have some peaceful time. The enclosed garden has a Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel Pagoda covered with about 10000 miniature Buddhist statues.
- Other significant attractions include the Eminent Sangha Museum, a theatre for organizing film screenings, cultural programs and lectures. Visit to know more about Buddha tooth relic temple history.
Timings & Visiting Tips
1. The official Buddha tooth relic temple timings for visiting the Eminent Sangha Museum is from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, seven days a week.
2.The timing for visiting the ‘Buddha tooth relic’, Buddha Culture Museum and the Relic Chamber is from 9am to 6pm.
You can visit the temple at any time of the day within the Buddha tooth relic temple opening hours. But, if you want to click great pictures of the gorgeous architecture, it is better to visit in the morning. If you wish to offer worship or attend a ceremony, visit in the evening.
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How To Reach The Temple?
Located at the center of the city, you can take the Buddha tooth relic temple MRT to Chinatown Station. Then you have to reach Pagoda Street via Exit A and turn right to reach South Bridge Road.
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Dress Code & Rules
Here is the list of important rules that you should keep in mind. Take a look!
- You have to follow the Buddha tooth relic temple dress code to show respect. Off shoulder t-shirts, barebacked dresses, shorts, and mini-skirts, see-through clothing or sleeveless dresses are not allowed inside the premises. If you are wearing any such dress, you will be asked to cover up with robes supplied by the temple authorities.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the temple, except in the relic shrine on the fourth floor, including the public viewing hall.
- No food is allowed inside the temple. Pets are also not allowed inside the premises.
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Facilities Available & Entry fee
Facilities:
- You can have a guided tour of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum for around two hours. A free English language tour is offered every Tuesday and Thursday. You can book tickets of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum tour in advance.
- Tourists interested in knowing about the teachings of Buddha can attend an interactive workshop called ‘Discovering Buddhism’, conducted by resident venerable.
- Rest your sore feet after touring the temple at the small little tea house on the second floor. You will find tea along with different vegetarian cuisines. There is a culture shop on the same floor too.
Entry fee: The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum entrance fee are free for all visitors. However, you can donate to the maintenance fund of the temple.
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The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore will offer you to experience the Buddhist culture and spirituality. With the beautiful ambiance and frame-worthy photography, you will have an experience of a lifetime. So, book your next trip to Singapore with TravelTriangle and do not forget to add this stunning temple to your to-do-list!
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