The temple is most famous for housing what is believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha Shakyamuni, displayed in a massive 320kg gold stupa on the 4th floor.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a magnificent Buddhist temple that houses what's believed to be an actual tooth of Buddha? The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore's vibrant Chinatown district is an awe-inspiring religious and cultural landmark that deserves a spot on any Singapore itinerary. This stunning Tang Dynasty-inspired temple not only houses a sacred relic but also offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist culture, art, and traditions.
What Is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple?
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum was officially opened on Vesak Day (May 31, 2007) by Singapore's late President S. R. Nathan. Built to house what is believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha Shakyamuni, the temple has quickly become one of Singapore's most important Buddhist temples and a major tourist attraction.
The temple's striking architecture boldly combines the style of a Buddhist Mandala with Tang Dynasty influences, creating a multi-tiered red and gold exterior that immediately catches the eye. The design was created with the help of both local and overseas consultants, and was funded entirely through contributions from generous devotees and donors from Singapore and abroad.
Location and How to Get There
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is conveniently located in the heart of Singapore's Chinatown at 288 South Bridge Road. There are several easy ways to reach the temple:
- By MRT: The easiest option is to take the MRT to Chinatown Station (DT19/NE4), which is just a 5-minute walk away. You can also use Maxwell Station and exit through Exit 2.
- By Bus: Buses 80 and 145 stop directly on South Bridge Road, with the temple just a one-minute walk from the bus stop.
- By Taxi or Ride-sharing: Services like Grab are widely available in Singapore and can take you directly to the temple entrance.
The temple's central location in Chinatown makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions, including the Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore's oldest Hindu temple) which is just a short walk away.
Opening Hours and Entry Fee
One of the best things about the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is that it's completely free to enter. While donations are appreciated, there is no mandatory entrance fee.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to explore its various halls and exhibits.
Dress Code and Etiquette
As with any religious site, proper respect for local customs is important when visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple:
- Dress modestly: Avoid wearing revealing clothing such as short skirts, shorts, or tops with low cuts, open backs, or bare shoulders.
- Remove footwear: While you don't need to remove your shoes to enter the main hall, you will need to take them off before entering certain prayer halls.
- Maintain a respectful volume: Keep your voice low and turn your phone to silent mode.
- Photography restrictions: Photography is permitted throughout most of the temple but is strictly prohibited on the 4th floor where the sacred tooth relic shrine is located.
Highlights of the Temple
Main Buddha Prayer Hall (Ground Floor)
The ground floor features the Hundred Dragons Hall, designed in the Tang Dynasty style. It houses a 15-foot tall Buddha Maitreya statue under a 27-foot ceiling, surrounded by golden decorations and intricate carvings. Just beyond is the Universal Wisdom Hall, where you’ll find a hand-carved Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Eight Zodiac Protectors, and embroidered Heart Sutra scrolls.
Aranya Hall & Sutra Chamber (2nd Floor)
The second floor includes the Aranya Hall, a peaceful space used for Buddhist and meditation classes. Visitors can also explore a collection of Buddhist figurines and artifacts. At the end of the hall is the Aranya Sutra Chamber, home to 600 fascicles of the Maha Prajnaparamita Sutra and a statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, guarded by sixteen Prajna Guardians.
Buddhist Culture Museum (3rd Floor)
On the third floor, the Buddhas of the World Museum displays rare Buddhist artifacts from across Asia. The exhibits include statues, relics, and sacred objects gifted by donors. This level also features the Sutra Chamber, where Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is enshrined, along with the ten female Rakshasas who serve as protectors.
The Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic (4th Floor)
The centerpiece of the temple is undoubtedly the Buddha tooth relic, housed on the 4th floor in the Sacred Light Hall. The relic is enshrined in a magnificent stupa (dome-shaped structure) made from 320kg of gold, of which 234kg was donated by devotees. Only monks are allowed inside the actual chamber containing the relic, but visitors can observe it from outside the glass walls.
10,000 Buddha Pavilion & Rooftop Garden (Level 5)
The rooftop offers a quiet space for reflection. In the center stands the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, featuring thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the large Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel. The surrounding orchid garden includes Dendrobium orchids, trees, and wind chimes that create a soothing atmosphere.
Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court (Basement)
For hungry visitors, the temple houses a hidden food court in the basement called Lian Xin Food Court, which serves affordable vegetarian dishes. This is a great place to sample authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Best Time to Visit
The temple can get quite busy, especially during weekends and Buddhist holidays. For a more peaceful experience, try visiting early in the morning (around opening time) or on weekdays.
If you're interested in witnessing Buddhist ceremonies, consider visiting during major Buddhist festivals like Vesak Day (Buddha's birthday, typically in May) or during morning prayer sessions.
Accessibility Information
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is wheelchair-accessible, with elevators providing access to all floors. This makes it an excellent cultural site for visitors with mobility issues.
Nearby Attractions
The temple's location in the heart of Chinatown makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions:
- Chinatown Street Market
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- Thian Hock Keng Temple
- Chinatown Heritage Centre
- Maxwell Food Centre for local cuisine
Tips for Visitors
- Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours exploring the temple and museum to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
- Join a free guided tour if available. The temple sometimes offers free English tours which provide deeper insights into Buddhist culture and the temple's significance.
- Visit during a weekday if possible, as the temple is quieter and more peaceful than on weekends.
- Pick up an informational brochure at the entrance to help navigate the different levels and understand the significance of what you're seeing.
- Bring a light jacket or shawl as the air conditioning inside can be quite cool, especially if you're visiting during Singapore's hot weather.
Cultural Significance
Beyond being a tourist attraction, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an active place of worship and an important cultural institution. The temple regularly hosts Buddhist ceremonies, cultural events, and educational programs that promote understanding of Buddhist practices and philosophy.
The design of the temple itself is deeply symbolic, with elements representing various aspects of Buddhist cosmology. The building was constructed according to the principles found in the Tang Dynasty architectural style and Buddhist mandala, with the Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber as its sacred center.
Conclusion
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist culture, art, and traditions while housing what many believe to be a sacred relic of the Buddha himself. With its stunning architecture, rich cultural exhibits, and peaceful atmosphere, the temple provides a welcome spiritual oasis in the midst of bustling Singapore.
Whether you're a practicing Buddhist, a student of religious history, or simply a curious traveler, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple deserves a place on your Singapore itinerary. Its combination of spiritual significance, architectural beauty, and cultural importance makes it one of the most rewarding religious sites to visit in Southeast Asia.
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