Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

"The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, designed in the traditional Chinese Buddhist architectural style of the Tang dynasty, is a remarkable structure that blends slight Japanese and Tibetan influences in certain areas. This temple was built to house the sacred tooth relic of the historical Buddha, which was reportedly discovered in a collapsed stupa. Measuring 7.5 cm, the relic's size is atypical for a human tooth, enhancing its legendary status. Visitors can view the relic on the fourth floor of the temple. The temple's basement features a theatre and a vegetarian dining hall that serves complimentary meals, although donations are welcome. Ven. Shi Fa Zhao, the current president and abbot, was instrumental in the temple's development, which involved numerous design proposals before settling on a design that adhered to traditional aesthetics while accommodating both locals and tourists. The abbot rejected proposals that were too modern or aligned with Southern Chinese typology, favoring a Northern Chinese style that resonates with the temple's historical context. The temple’s first floor includes the Shanmen, a grand entrance featuring three large red lacquered doors characteristic of Tang Dynasty architecture, and the Hundred Dragon Hall, which houses a 15-foot statue of Buddha Maitreya. The Universal Wisdom Hall is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Guanyin and adorned with intricate sculptures and embroidered patterns. On the mezzanine level, visitors can find the Dharma Hall, which enshrines a statue of Nanhai Guanyin, and the Eminent Sangha Museum, showcasing the lives of influential monks. The Ancestral Hall, dedicated to Kṣitigarbha, is also located on this level. The second floor is home to the Mañjuśrī Hall, featuring a statue of the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī and various dharmapalas. It also includes the Aranya Gallery, which houses a library and exhibitions related to Buddhist culture. The third floor features the Nagapuspa Buddhist Culture Museum, showcasing a range of artifacts from various Asian cultures, including Gandharan statuary and Buddhist texts. The Samantabhadra Hall, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, displays a statue surrounded by smaller figures representing guardians of the bodhisattva. The fourth floor holds the Sacred Buddha Relics Chamber, where the tooth relic is housed within a stunning stupa adorned with gold and precious stones, surrounded by intricate carvings depicting scenes from Buddha Sakyamuni's life. On the temple's roof, the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda serves as a striking centerpiece, housing over 11,000 small Buddha statues. It also contains a large Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel filled with copies of the Vairocana Mantra. Additionally, statues of the Five Tathāgatas are strategically placed throughout the roof’s pavilions, representing cardinal directions, while the walls are embellished with small statuettes of Amitābha, the Buddha of Infinite Life. This temple not only serves as a place of worship but also as a cultural and educational hub, reflecting Singapore’s rich Buddhist heritage and the ongoing efforts of the Metta Welfare Association, founded by Shi Fa Zhao, to provide social services and support for the community."

"Free entry to the public area. Modest dress code required. No sleeveless and skirt length has to be over the knees. This Tang-styled Buddhist temple was designed by the temple’s Chief Abbot Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, inspired by the Buddhist Mandala, a symbol of Buddhist culture that represents the universe. The built cost S$75 million. More info on the 3 levels of temple below. "

"A vibrant district showcasing Singapore’s Chinese heritage, Chinatown is famous for its colorful shophouses, traditional markets, and the Chinatown Heritage Centre, which tells the story of early Chinese immigrants. Iconic attractions include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, known for its intricate architecture and sacred relics."