It’s
a strange name I grant you, but Singapore’s Buddha Tooth Relic Temple while on
one hand being exactly what it says on the tin (a temple that houses a tooth
relic believed to belong to Buddha himself), is also a fascinating museum.
Whether you already have an interest in Buddhism or feel like you know nothing
about it, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is both an educational experience and an
impressive work of art.
Religion is a controversial topic anywhere you go. Having grown up surrounded by Christian norms and traditions, Christianity is the religion with which I am most familiar. However, the little I knew about the principles of Buddhism always made Buddhism appeal to me. Keen to know more I made sure I visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple when I was in Singapore.
Built in the early 2000s and opened in 2005, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, on the outskirts of Singapore’s Chinatown, is more than just a temple; it also houses two museums. The building is built in the style of the Tang period and is both a place of remarkable peace and tranquillity, and somewhere dedicated to encouraging a deeper understanding of Buddhism. The architecture follows a traditional Buddhist mandala design and the decoration inside features rich colours and many, many vibrant depictions of Buddha.
Built in the early 2000s and opened in 2005, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, on the outskirts of Singapore’s Chinatown, is more than just a temple; it also houses two museums. The building is built in the style of the Tang period and is both a place of remarkable peace and tranquillity, and somewhere dedicated to encouraging a deeper understanding of Buddhism. The architecture follows a traditional Buddhist mandala design and the decoration inside features rich colours and many, many vibrant depictions of Buddha.
Universal Wisdom Hall
Entering
through the Mountain Gate on the ground floor takes you to the main chamber of
the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Universal Wisdom Hall. The hall is presided over by an intricate and
much-revered carving of Bodhisattva Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara, seated on a
lotus and guarded by phoenixes. His six arms represent compassion,
satisfaction, reliability, purity, the prevention of suffering and the presence
of the supreme Dharma. He is considered to embody the compassion of Buddhists
and is revered as the protector of the world.
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| Universal Wisdom Hall, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore |
The
walls of the richly decorated and impressive Universal Wisdom Hall are lined with 100
Buddhas, each with different mudras (hand gestures) and accessories symbolising
their virtues and powers. In stark contrast to the serenity of the 100 Buddhas,
there are 100 dancing dragons celebrating the Buddhas. Dragons are an important
symbol in Chinese culture, representing power and strength. They are believed
to guard the gods and control the elements.
The
Universal Wisdom Hall is a huge hall, and is often a hive of activity. Monks
and other devotees recite mantras and chants, and members of the public can
make offerings. Visitors can walk the length of the hall while Buddhist ceremonies take place. It is absolutely entrancing to watch and to see the focus of devotees as they recite mantras.
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| Universal Wisdom Hall, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore |
Eminent Sanghas Museum
The
atmospheric mezzanine above the Universal Wisdom Hall is home to the Eminent Sanghas
Museum. Up here you can hear the mantras being chanted in the hall below, which is very fitting as a mark of respect to the monks featured in the display. The walls of the mezzanine are lined with photographs and the life
stories of much-respected monks whose devotions have led them to contribute
significantly to the community. It also shows the journey Buddhism took to
arrive in Singapore with an interesting map indicating that Buddhists came from
India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and China.
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| Eminent Sanghas display, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, singapore |
Buddhist Culture Museum
The
Buddhist Culture Museum occupies most of the third floor and displays countless
Buddhist artefacts and statues. The displays are excellent and give clear explanations of
the meaning and significance of the objects they describe. Within the museum is
the misleadingly named Sacred Relics Chamber. Contrary to expectations, the
Buddha tooth relic is not inside, but the chamber is home to the Avatamsaka
Trilogy, Buddha Sakyamuni in the centre, Bodhisattva Manjusri seated on a black
lion and Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, seated on a white elephant. Together they
represent wisdom, virtue, joy and the practices of Buddhism.
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| Buddhist Culture Museum, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore |
Sacred Light Hall
So
where is the tooth relic? Since it is considered holy it would be inappropriate
for it merely to be housed within the museum. The Buddha tooth relic is inside
the inner chamber of the Sacred Light Hall on the fourth floor. If you don't trip over the shoes at the threshold you can enter this working temple. It is
beautifully lit by lanterns suspended from the ceiling and, being a working temple, you are likely to see devotees in prayer and meditation.
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| Buddhist Culture Museum, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple |
Rooftop Garden
Even
the roof of the building is devoted to Buddha. As you leave the stairwell you
emerge onto a covered walkway around the parameter of the building that is
lined with thousands of tiny Buddhas. A prayer wheel stands in the centre of a
rooftop garden that provides a beautiful spot for a moment of quiet
contemplation.
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| Prayer wheel in the rooftop garden, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple |
The
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple offers a unique experience, combining a religious
building with an interesting and educational museum. Even as you travel between
floors you can admire the ornate silk-lined elevators and the historic photographs on
the staircases. Vegetarian meals are available to monks and others in the
basement for a donation. The temple also has a shop offering books about Buddhism, mantra CDs
and prayer accessories, as well as a small number of souvenirs. Buddha Tooth
Relic Temple is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of your knowledge of
Buddhism.
While
tourists and other visitors are welcomed at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, it
should be remembered that it is a building of worship that houses items
considered sacred by devotees. Visitors are asked to conduct themselves quietly
and respectfully, to wear clothes that cover their arms and knees, and remove
their shoes if they enter the Sacred Hall of Light on the third floor.
