Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum - Singapore

Located in South Bridge Road in the Chinatown District of Singapore, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the country. It is also one of the tourist destinations in the country.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum History

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is relatively new. Its groundbreaking started on the 13th of March 2005 and was finished two years later. the temple was built based on the Tang Dynasty architectural style.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum - Singapore

The entrance to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

As its name states, the temple houses a relic -Buddha's tooth. The relic was said to be found in 1980, in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. Today, this relic can be viewed on the 4th floor of the temple.

Is that a lion or a dragon door knocker?

One of the guardians of the temple says, "You shall not pass!"

The other guardian says, "Hi there!"

At present, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is one of the popular tourist attractions in the Chinatown District. Its grandiose facade makes it stand out from the other infrastructures around it. The temple's interior is also something to admire. Its red and gold color theme makes visitors feel the atmosphere of royalty and luxury.

Inside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple altar

Entrance to the temple is free but the staff is very strict with the dress code particularly to women. You will be banned from entering if your clothing that reveals too much skin. The same goes for bringing in food. You are allowed to take photos and videos inside the temple but make sure to respect the privacy of others.

Even the glass candle holders look nice

Once in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, you might want to go to the basement to try out their simple vegetarian meal (it is free but you can give donations if you feel like giving). Lastly, what's the sense of visiting the temple if you won't view its relic on the fourth floor?

The temple has beautifully designed interior walls and pillars

I got to visit this beautiful temple during my Singapore - Malaysia 2017 Tour with my family. Upon seeing the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum for the first time, I was reminded of the beautiful temples during our Japan tour a few years back. Sadly, I was not able to see the tooth relic though but hopefully next time I would. You can visit this temple as a side trip after you finish shopping in Chinatown. Don't worry there is no issue if you are not Buddhist.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Admission Fee:

There are no admission fees/entrance fees for the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. However, you are always welcome to make a donation to the temple.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Operating Hours:

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is open from 9AM to 5PM.

Why visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum?

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an awesome side trip if you are in the Singapore Chinatown area. Although it is not a historic building like the Hindu temples in Singapore, it is still one of the perfect places to experience the  Buddhist culture of the country. 

Getting to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum:

Ride the Downtown Line or North-East Line and board down at Chinatown MRT station. From there, walk a few blocks heading to South Bridge Road. You won't miss this temple as it is just beside the road.

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Pilgrims

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