Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Singapore

Singapore, the world's only island city-state, stands as a remarkably traveler-friendly nation, boasting a multitude of captivating attractions. It consistently ranks among the globe's most frequented travel destinations. In this article, we'll explore an important religious site known as the Buddhist Tooth Relic Temple.

The architectural style of the Tang dynasty, which ruled China from the 7th to the 10th century CE, served as the inspiration for the Buddhist Tooth Relic Temple located in Singapore's China Town area. This magnificent temple was constructed in 2007 CE, and within its complex, you'll find a meticulously maintained museum.

As you approach, you'll be greeted by the temple's gateway adorned with three traditional, generously-sized, red doors and two Dwarapalas guarding the entrance.

The temple boasts a grand and captivating bell, while a colossal temple drum occupies the second floor of this multi-story marvel. On the ground floor of the drum tower, you'll encounter shrines dedicated to the male Sangharama and female Sangharama, revered as guardian deities.

The awe-inspiring Hundred Dragons Hall is home to a towering 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue, flanked by two Bodhisattvas. The hall's walls are adorned with the images of 100 Buddhas, each in a unique posture or mudra, and accompanied by one hundred dragons.

These Buddha images are encircled by miniature Buddha Maitreya figures, delicately carved from wood and placed inside bronze cases called Gau. Buddha Maitreya sits regally on a lion throne with both legs resting on a lotus pedestal.

Beyond the Hundred Dragons Hall lies the Universal Wisdom Hall, where the image of Bodhisattva Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara, seated on a lotus throne, resides. The hall also houses the eight zodiac protectors, surrounded by smaller images of Avalokitesvara.

In a corner of the Wisdom Hall, you'll discover the image of Yellow Dzambhala, characterized by his ample belly and golden skin, holding a fruit in his right arm.

Ascending to the first floor, you'll find the icon of Avalokitesvara at the center of the Dharma Hall, accompanied by a gallery of revered Buddhist monks and an ancestral memorial hall nearby.

The second floor is adorned with the images of sixteen Prajna guardian deities.

On the third floor, you'll encounter the icons of ten Rakshasis. Additionally, on the same floor, the images of Shakyamuni with Manjushri seated on a lion and Samantabhadra seated on an elephant on either side are found.

The fourth floor houses the Sacred Buddha's Tooth Relic, the central shrine of the temple. Above the stupa, 36 dragons are exquisitely carved, and in the center of the stupa, there is the majestic gold-colored icon of Buddha Maitreya.

Happy travelling.