BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE

We honestly didn’t expect to write about the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in detail. But after our visit, we felt it wouldn’t do the temple justice to just put it on a ‘Top list’ blog. Here’s your quick summary guide and tips for all you need to know about the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.

 

GETTING TO THE BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE

The quickest way to get to the Temple is by MRT to the Chinatown station and take Exit A at Pagoda Street and turn right at South Bridge Road.

 

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. There are also free 2-hour tours in English every Tuesday and Thursday and you can call or make an online advanced booking for the tour.

 

ABOUT THE TEMPLE

Opened to the public in 2007, The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is relatively new for a temple in Asia. The remarkable four-storey temple includes a mezzanine, a cultural museum, sacred chambers and a beautiful rooftop courtyard.

Beautifully painted in rust red and clad with traditional ornate carvings, doors and elaborate roofs, it’s immediately recognizable, even from afar.

 

IS THERE REALLY A TOOTH?

It is said that the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple houses the left canine tooth relic of Buddha! According to the temple, an Abbot in Myanmar discovered the sacred tooth relic while restoring a collapsed stupa and Buddha statue. There are long intricate details as to how the Buddha tooth relic made its way to Singapore, but the short story is that Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was built to house the sacred relic.

 

INSIDE THE TEMPLE

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC SACRED HALL

When you walk through the main entrance, it’s such a stunning sensory overload (in a good way!) with the super high ceiling, the rich colors, all the gold and the amazing details.

And statues of one hundred Buddhas individually handcrafted by several different sculptors.

The temple also holds daily ceremonies and visitors are welcomed to witness and photograph the services.

 

The Sacred Light Hall Houses the Tooth Relic

The relic chamber is on the fourth floor of the temple and only monks are allowed into the relic chamber. However, twice a day, visitors can view the relic chamber from the public viewing area. No photography of the relic chamber is allowed.

 

The Rooftop Garden of the Temple

Make sure to head up to the rooftop garden! To get there, take the lift up to the 4th floor and walk up another 2 floors. It’s a beautiful, serene open air orchid garden with the gentle tinkles of wind chimes.

 

Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel

The Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel, the world’s largest Buddhist Prayer Wheel, is also located at the rooftop Garden.

 

TEMPLE DRESS CODE

As with most temples, there is a dress code request to dress respectfully. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees, avoid off-the-shoulder tops, sleeveless, shorts and mini-skirts. If you do forget, they have shawls and wraps that you can loan at the entrance of the temple.

Wishing you amazing travels!

Sue & Renesh

 

WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE

Luxury Boutique Hotel – AMOY HOTEL: Designed to give guests an experiential glimpse into Chinese history. The entrance of the hotel is the original Fuk Tak Chi temple build in the 1820s. Rooms are designed to include heritage accents and no two rooms are alike in layout and furnishing. Perfect for those who appreciate design, architecture and Chinese history. Find the latest prices for Amoy Hotel here.

Luxury Boutique Hotel – ANN SIANG HOUSE: A beautifully restored heritage building that is nestled in the lively area of Ann Siang Road known for the rooftop bars, restaurants and beautiful Peranakan houses. Just a 5-minute walk from Chinatown, it’s perfect for those who love to be right in the center of a lively neighborhood, good food and buzzing nightlife. Find the latest prices for Ann Siang House here.

For other places to stay in Singapore, click here for a list and the latest prices.

 

 

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