Singapore - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Previous blogs:

• Singapore 2009
• Exploring Singapore
• Clarke and Boat Quay
• Sentosa
• Jurong Bird Park and Zoo
• Sungei Buloh

Though I am not a Buddhist, I am strangely attracted to Lord Buddha. I enjoy visiting monasteries and Buddhist temples. Buddha's idols can mesmerize anyone. The peace and tranquility on His face... amazing! If I can, I would go a Buddha Trail tour with Ram. Would be awesome.

First time, we visited the Buddha Tooth Relic temple at Singapore in the evening. The temple was about to close; however, we managed to get a glimpse of the wonderful Buddha idols inside the temple. We made a second visit to this temple, and spent more than four hours admiring it. We managed to capture a few photos of the temple, and as always, stopped clicking and soaked ourselves in the beauty. What an experience!

A few instructions for people entering the temple:

• If you are wearing sleeveless or low back tops, mini-skirts or *shorts, please kindly use the sarongs and shawls provided by the Temple before entering. * Knee length shorts are permitted
• No pets are allowed.
• No wearing of hats.
• No food and drinks are allowed.
• No smoking and drinking.
• No dangerous goods and highly flammable material.
• Please enter with footwear.
• Please speak softly.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended.

Main attractions are:

• Roof - Orchid Garden, Prayer Wheel
• Floor 4 - Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber
• Floor 3 - Buddhist Cultural Museum, Sacred Buddha Relics Chamber
• Floor 2 - Aranya Gallery, Lotus Heart Tea House
• Mezzanine - Dharma Hall, Eminent Sangha Museum, Ancestral Hall
• Floor 1 - 100 Dragons Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall
• Basement 1 - Dining Hall, Nagapuspa Theatre
• Basement 2 and 3 - Car Park

The Temple is situated on the South Bridge Road, Chinatown. The architecture has influences of the Tang dynasty. Different colored paints are used for different parts of the temple - the red lacquer paint for the timber, green for the timber windows, and gold for the edges. The Mountain Gate is the main entrance to the temple. The Dvarapalakas guard both side of the gate. The Nagapuspa trees add a lovely Green tinge to the landscape. A few free books are available for the visitors to take home.

As I write, I'm wondering about the photos I need to share here (among the several ones). Photos may not capture the actual beauty of this place. I strongly recommend that you visit this place when you are at Singapore. We found a lot of peace at this temple. :-)

Regards,

Asha