The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Museum complex is an important temple and a popular tourist attraction situated in Singapore’s Chinatown area. Founded in 2002, the temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. However, it derives its name from the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic of the Sakyamuni Buddha that is enshrined in a two-metre high stupa created out of pure gold donated by the many devotees of the temple.
It is said that the Sacred Tooth Relic in this temple was discovered in 1980 in a collapsed ancient stupa in Myanmar. In addition to this, the temple is also of great cultural significance as it displays a number of items that relate to a variety of facets of both the religious and cultural spheres of Singapore.
The design and concept of the temple building was done by the revered Shi Fa Zhao, with the assistance of a group of consultants both from Singapore and abroad. It is believed that the physical structure of this place of worship is based on architecture of the Tang dynasty as well as the Buddhist Mandala which is considered to be a depiction of the universe according to Buddhism. There are also many features that reflect these facets including tongue and bone relic elements.
Since the day it opened its doors to the public, the temple has been a key attraction in the Chinatown area. Among the many highlights in this temple complex are the Tripitaka Chamber, the Eminent Sangha Museum, the Buddhist Culture Museum as well as a theatre that provides space for films, discussions and various cultural performances. At the basement of the temple, simple vegetarian fare is served free of charge, but donations are always welcome. Annually there are a number of expositions that take place at this temple situated in the heart of the Chinatown district.
Since Singapore is such a small city, visitors can spend time exploring this iconic temple as well as the varied places of interest in Chinatown while enjoying a comfortable stay at such Singapore boutique hotels as Hotel Fort Canning Singapore. With a spa, a gymnasium, a swimming pool and also golfing facilities it is indeed one of the many hotels in Singapore city centre that will help you relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
