Located in Chinatown - South Bridge, Buddha Tooth Relics and Museum is a beautiful landmark in Singapore. This is a massive architectural complex consisting of a system of temples and Buddhist art museums with the mission of collecting, researching and spreading Buddhist culture, bringing people an understanding of the rich history and culture of Buddhism through the displayed works of art...
Designed by Venerable Shi Fa Zhao with the advice of domestic and foreign experts, the Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum started construction in 2005 and was inaugurated in May 2007, with a total cost of up to 62 million SGD (about 46 million USD). This project, consisting of five floors above ground and one basement, is a synthesis of the Mandala idea with Buddhist art and culture of the Tang Dynasty (China) according to the Tibetan esoteric school... The name "Buddha Tooth" comes from the fact that this place enshrines the Buddha Tooth relic, passed down by a Burmese master.
Coming to the Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum, visitors will be attracted at first sight by the majestic and magnificent appearance and outstanding colors of a Buddhist work, both classical and modern. Going deep inside, visitors will go from one surprise to another when discovering many interesting things from art to religion, because in addition to worship, this place is also a Buddhist art museum.
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city streets, visitors can immerse themselves in the solemn and serene scenery of a majestic temple. To visit all floors of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, visitors can use the stairs or elevator, especially the electric chair system to assist the disabled.
The first floor area is arranged as the main shrine with ten thousand Buddha statues attached to the wall symbolizing the concept of the Buddha with a thousand eyes and a thousand hands saving all living beings. From the first floor to the second floor, you will pass through a mezzanine, arranged as a Buddhist hall, which is a museum about Bodhisattvas and eminent monks, with many wax statues of famous eminent monks.
The main shrine with ten thousand Buddha statues on the walls
The second floor is a library to display calligraphy, paintings, sculptures and massive Buddhist documents. There are 3 large bookshelves, arranged very scientifically and preserved carefully. This area is arranged like a library so that Buddhists can come and read books in a meditative space, or enjoy tea culture and immerse themselves in the sound of Buddhist scriptures.
The Buddhist Cultural Museum is located on the 3rd floor. Visitors will admire an impressive collection of more than 300 treasures related to the life of Buddha: many large murals depicting the life of Buddha, many carved statues made of wood, metal, stone and many documents and images collected from all over India, Tibet, China, Burma, Malaysia, Thailand...
The fourth floor of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is where the Buddha Tooth Relic is enshrined, with the centerpiece being a 3.6 m high stupa made from 420 kg. This area is lit by hundreds of golden lanterns hanging high above, creating a majestic and splendid atmosphere.
Worshippers and temple visitors can watch the rituals performed by monks from the public viewing area. Twice a day, the curtain covering the Buddha Tooth Relic is raised for worshippers and visitors to see, until the monks have finished their prayers.
The top floor of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is designed as a terrace with a quiet garden right on the ground with many trees and orchids - the flower considered the symbol of Singapore.
Peaceful rooftop garden
The basement of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an interesting discovery for many visitors. There is a multi-purpose hall where exhibitions, art performances or discussions on Buddhism take place... In addition, it is also a place for the Singapore Buddhist community to gather. Many Buddhists like to choose this place to organize national cultural festivals or celebrate longevity, birthdays... In particular, there is also a restaurant area here, always ready to serve vegetarian food for free to Buddhists and visitors.
A Buddhist work that is both classical and modern
Visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum, visitors not only have the opportunity to learn about the values of Buddhist art and culture, but also experience the feeling of serenity of a Zen monastery, in a peaceful and tranquil space...
Although it has only been in operation since 2007, the Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum has quickly become famous for its architectural art and museum space, harmoniously combining the ancient and the modern, and has become a unique highlight representing the prosperity and colorful culture of Singapore.
More information
Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum
- Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9am - 6pm
- Websites: http://www.btrts.org.sg
