The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a magnificent and highly significant cultural and religious landmark situated in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown district. Officially consecrated in 2007, the temple was built to house what Buddhists revere as the left canine tooth relic of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.
The architecture is a stunning interpretation of the Chinese Buddhist style from the Tang Dynasty, designed to reflect the spiritual symbolism of a mandala, representing the universe. The temple is a multi-story complex, featuring prayer halls filled with intricate carvings, golden statues, and a library.
The temple’s centerpiece is the sacred relic, which is enshrined on the fourth floor in the Sacred Light Hall within a colossal stupa made from 320 kilograms of gold. While only monks are permitted inside the relic chamber, the public can view the magnificent stupa from a designated area. The building also functions as a museum, showcasing a vast collection of Buddhist artifacts, sculptures, and manuscripts, offering visitors a deep dive into the history and culture of Buddhism alongside a peaceful sanctuary from the city bustle.
