The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is hard to miss: It's a four-story high, vivid red-and-green, Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple, and it sits smack dab in the heart of Singapore's bustling Chinatown.
Though it was completed relatively recently (in 2007), the S$62 million temple has quickly become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Its eye-catching architecture draws curious visitors from all over, while its namesake relic attracts Buddhist devotees.
But in a city full of Chinese buildings and Buddhist temples, what makes this one special? Let's talk about why the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum should be on your Singapore must-see list.
Historical Background
While the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a relatively new addition to Singapore's skyline, the story behind it is steeped in ancient tradition and spiritual significance.
Buddha tooth relics have long been revered in Buddhist culture, believed to be the actual teeth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. These relics are considered sacred objects of power, capable of blessing devotees and the surrounding area.
The tooth relic housed in this temple has a particularly intriguing tale. According to temple accounts, it was discovered in 1980 when a collapsed stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine) was being reconstructed in Myanmar. The relic was then safeguarded by Venerable Cakkapala, a respected Burmese monk.
In 2002, the tooth made its way to Singapore for a public exhibition. When over 300,000 visitors flocked to see it in just a matter of days, it sparked the idea of creating a permanent home for the relic in Singapore.
It's worth noting that the authenticity of this particular tooth relic has been a subject of scholarly debate. Some experts have questioned its size and composition, suggesting it might not be of human origin. However, for many devotees, the spiritual significance of the relic transcends these debates. To them, it's a powerful symbol of faith and Buddhist teachings.
Today, the tooth relic rests in an ornate stupa on the temple's fourth floor, continuing to draw both the devout and the curious from around the world.
Construction of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
What makes the architecture of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (BTRTM) truly impressive on the outside is that it's the only building in the entire country that is lacquered, rather than painted.
What truly sets this temple apart is its exterior finish - it's the only building in Singapore that is lacquered rather than painted.
The secret lies in the choice of wood: "Yellow Balau," a hard, dense tropical hardwood from Kalimantan, Borneo. This wood isn't just any ordinary timber; it's naturally resistant to fungal decay and insect attacks, making it ideal for Singapore's tropical climate. The temple's exterior used a staggering 2000 square meters of this remarkable wood.
But the process didn't stop at simply erecting wooden walls. Each timber panel underwent an exhaustive treatment process:
- Careful sanding to achieve a smooth surface.
- Application of seven layers of linen, interspersed with five layers of plaster.
- Meticulous smoothing and sanding between each layer.
The final touch? Three coats of a special Chinese lacquer to provide the ultimate protection against Singapore's harsh weather conditions.
The color scheme is equally deliberate. The walls are a carefully selected shade of red, while the trim is painted in complementary green. Bronze ornament caps, featuring intricate lotus patterns and gilded in yellow, protect the straight supporting rafter beams. They add a touch of elegance to the overall design.
This painstaking process, while time-consuming, has resulted in a structure that not only stands out visually but is also built to withstand the test of time.
What's Inside Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Each of the four stories of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum takes you on a profound journey through Buddhist culture and spirituality.
Ground Floor: The Main Hall
Upon entering, you will find yourself in the Hundred Dragons Hall. It's a grand space featuring intricate carvings and statues, including a stunning depiction of the Maitreya Buddha, flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
The walls are adorned with 100 Buddha statues, each crafted according to traditional Chinese iconography. The atmosphere is serene, inviting you to pause and reflect amidst the beauty of the ornate decorations.
Second Floor: The Buddhist Culture Museum
Ascending to the second floor, you will discover the Buddhist Culture Museum, where the life of the Buddha is narrated through various exhibits.
Here, you can explore artifacts, relics, and statues from different regions of Asia, each telling a part of the Buddha's journey from wealth to enlightenment. This museum serves as an educational space that deepens your understanding of Buddhist philosophy and history.
Third Floor: The Dharma Hall
On the third floor, the Dharma Hall awaits, where you can witness monks engaging in chanting and meditation. The hall is adorned with elaborate decorations, including large golden statues of the Buddha and intricate wall murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and teachings.
This space is used for worship and community gatherings. It's an inspiring environment for contemplation.
Fourth Floor: The Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Stupa
The highlight of your visit is undoubtedly the fourth floor, home to the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber. Here, you will find a magnificent gold stupa, which houses the revered tooth relic. The stupa, crafted with 320 kilograms of gold, is a sight to behold, surrounded by intricate carvings and paintings that depict the life of the Buddha.
As you approach, you will feel a solemn atmosphere, as visitors sit in meditation, reflecting on the significance of the relic. Only monks are permitted close to the stupa.
Rooftop: The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion
Last but not least, go up to the rooftop to see the Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion. In the middle of this tranquil area, among the blossoming orchids and verdant foliage, are a gigantic Vairocana prayer wheel and the Dendrobium Buddha Tooth, an orchid named for the BTRTM.
Visiting information
Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and participate in the ritual of spinning the prayer wheel, which holds hundreds of handwritten prayers.
- Hours: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is open daily from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, but some parts close at 6 pm, so it's best to arrive early to explore fully.
- Admission: Free, though donations for upkeep are appreciated.
- Dress code: Visitors are required to wear appropriate attire to show respect for the sacred space. Ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered; avoid wearing bare backs, shorts, mini-skirts, or sleeveless tops.
- Facilities: The temple features a basement dining hall that serves simple vegetarian fare. Please note that no food or pets are allowed inside the temple itself.
- Tours: Free guided tours of the temple are available on Saturdays. Tours in Mandarin are held at 10:00 AM, while English language tours take place at 2:00 PM. Pre-registration is required, so be sure to sign up in advance. Details here.
- Read more about BTRTM on Wikipedia.
Tips for Visiting Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Singapore
- Best Times to Visit: To fully appreciate the temple and avoid large crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays tend to attract more visitors, especially during special events.
- Participate Respectfully: If you have the opportunity to observe or participate in any rituals, do so respectfully. Follow the lead of the local devotees and refrain from loud conversations or disruptive behavior.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted throughout most of the temple. However, be aware that photography and video recording are not allowed on the fourth floor, where the Buddha tooth relic is housed. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly monks or devotees. For more photos, see our Singapore photo galleries.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: After your visit to the temple, take some time to explore the vibrant Chinatown area. Nearby attractions include the Chinatown Heritage Centre, Sri Mariamman Temple, and various food stalls offering local delicacies.
Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum: Final Thoughts
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is more than just a place of worship; it is a vibrant cultural hub where you can engage deeply with Buddhist heritage. Each floor reveals layers of history, art, and spirituality, and we think it's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Buddhist culture in Singapore.