Description

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples in Singapore. The temple is based on the Tang dynasty architectural style and built to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha, which is claimed that was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar.  It is on the most tourist “must visit” list of attractions in Singapore. Non-Buddhist too will appreciate the beauty and serenity of this amazing temple. The architecture of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is based on the Chinese Tang dynasty style, making it a key attraction in Singapore’s Chinatown. As the name suggests, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple has tooth relics of the Buddha, which are housed on the fourth floor of the temple. The wonderful main Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is on the ground floor. There are thousands of artwork (paintings, statues, tapestry, etc) related to Lord Buddha and Buddhism. The Buddhist museum is on the third floor. In addition to the temple and museum, there is also a rooftop garden, a library, a vegetarian restaurant in the basement and a bookstore. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha (Compassionate One, also known as The Future Buddha). The temple management request visitors to dress modestly and provides shawls and coveralls to visitors.

Careful design

This Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple was conceptualised and designed by the temple’s Chief Abbot Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, with the help of local and overseas consultants. It cost S$75 million to set up, and is based on the elements of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala, a symbol of Buddhist culture that represents the universe.

Sacred relics and giant stupa

The Buddhist Culture Museum on the third floor holds an array of revered artifacts of the Buddha, such as bone and tongue relics, and the Sacred Light Hall on the fourth floor contains the temple’s centerpiece. The Buddha Tooth Relic is housed in a giant stupa weighing a whopping 3500 kilograms and made from 320 kilograms of gold, of which 234 kilograms were donated by devotees. You’ll have to see the tooth relic from the public viewing area, as only monks are allowed into the relic chamber.

Other highlights include the Eminent Sangha Museum, a theatre that holds cultural performances, talks and film screenings. If you’re looking for a little quiet contemplation amid Chinatown’s hubbub, the roof garden, with its pagoda and Buddha prayer wheel, offers a tranquil hideaway.

Discovering Buddhism

Shakyamuni Buddha was believed to have gained insight into truth and perfected the qualities of wisdom and compassion over 2560 years ago. Today, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple carries on the legacy of his teachings through the ‘Discovering Buddhism’ workshop. Travelers can gain more insight into Buddhism at this interactive workshop led by the temple’s resident venerables.

Buddhist Culture Museum

Buddhist art first emerged in India after the Buddha's Parinirvana. With the introduction and spreading of Buddhism to other Asian countries, Buddhist art artifacts also began to appear in China, Korea, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and many other countries. WIth historical value, beautiful forms, and profound meaning, Buddhist artifacts have been sought after by museums and collectors from all around the world. However, very few collectors are collecting or exhibiting these artifacts for the purpose of introducing the aspirations and Teachings of Buddha Himself.

Therefore, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum established the Buddhist Culture Museum, endeavor its mission to collect, research a. exhibit Buddhist artifacts from Asia region to encourage a deeper understanding of Buddhism. By telling the story and meaning behind the artifacts, Buddhist Culture Museum hopes to share with visitors from all around the world the life story of Buddha Sakyamuni the profound meaning of His Teachings, as well as the rich history and culture of Buddhism. 

Hear what visitors and guests of the Buddhist Culture Museum have to say about us! Therefore, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum established the Buddhist Culture Museum, endeavor its mission to collect, research a. exhibit Buddhist artifacts from Asia region to encourage a deeper understanding of Buddhism. By telling the story and meaning behind the artifacts, Buddhist Culture Museum hopes to share with visitors from all around the world the life story of Buddha Sakyamuni the profound meaning of His Teachings, as well as the rich history and culture of Buddhism.

History Gallery of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Surrounding the Aranya Gallery is the History Gallery of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, which showcases the origin, building process and the conceptualization of the temple design. Through the precious images and design prototypes, you can better understand how we received valuable support from the public and developed a majestic Building with splendid Buddhist art from scratch.

FREE GUIDED TOURS TO BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE & MUSEUM

Admission to the temple and weekly-guided tours are free of charge. Conducted by the temple’s volunteer guides, each tour lasts around 2 hours and guides you through the different floors and halls of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. Areas covered include the Hundred Dragons Hall, which houses a hundred Buddha statues, and the Universal Wisdom Hall, where handcrafted Bodhisattva artworks are on display. 

Free Guided Tour on Saturdays

Mandarin : 10:00 AM

English: 2 PM

A Unique Learning Experience

BTRTM welcomes more than 50,000 visitors every month. With up to 50% of our daily visitors coming from overseas, from the onset, we are committed to public education with an attitude of openness and with an aim of promoting mutual understanding amongst different peoples. The BTRTM offers a unique, fertile environment for learning as it is a living heritage site that is a part museum and part place of worship. Visitors from all cultural backgrounds have a unique opportunity here to learn about what goes on in a Buddhist Temple in an engaging and non-threatening environment. As an active member of Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in the community, we are experienced in conducting tours and other educational programmes promoting cross-cultural understanding and mindful of the needs and interests of visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Guided Tours & Other Services

The BTRTM is a non-profit organization committed to cultural and social work. while admission is free, BTRTM strongly encourages school groups and other visitors to register for our guided tours which provides an insightful and meaningful learning experience on your visit. BTRTM are honored to be able to share the heritage of Singapore, Chinese culture, the history of Chinatown and Buddhist philosophy with the world through our guided tour service conducted by specially trained guides. BTRTM can also assist with other services for group visitors, including blessing and prayer sessions as well as enjoying vegetarian meals and desserts at our Five Insights Hall and refreshments to complete your tour. To register or make a query regarding guided tours and group visits, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Email: aaron.chia@btrts.org.sg or call us at (+65)68547355.

Please send our mail to: aaron.chia@btrts.org.sg

OPENING HOURS

• 7.00am to 7.00pm (Monday to Sunday), including public holiday.
• 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (Museum and stupa Chamber) (Monday to Sunday), including public holiday.

Tips

• As with visiting the rest of the temple premises, visiting the Buddhist Culture Museum, Sacred Relic Chamber and the Eminent Sangha Museum is free of charge! However, you are most welcomed to donate any amount of appreciation into the donation boxes to help the museum to offset daily operating expenses .
  
•  Dress appropriately. In other words, cover up…not short shorts, minis, bare backs, bare shoulders, etc. If you aren't properly dressed they won't admit you, however, if you have a problem there's a market right outside where you can buy a souvenir wrap, skirt, shawl, etc. that will also be a nice souvenir. There are some places where you need to remove your shoes. Staff are there to monitor things and let you know where this is required.
• Non-flash photography is permitted in the Buddhist Culture Museum and Eminent Sangha Museum. 
• Flash is not allowed to protect the light-sensitive artifacts. PHOTOGRAPHY OR FILMING USING ANY EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING MOBILE PHONES) IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE SACRED RELIC CHAMBER. 
• Special photography permission can be requested from the Corporate Communications and Media department with advance notice. Please refer to Reproducing of images. 
• If you have a couple of hours to spare, don't forget to join the free temple tour conducted by volunteers and free of charges. They are enthusiastic and know their history
  
• Start at the top. There are gardens at the top level and inside the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion is a huge cloisonné enamel prayer wheel. Also on the upper floors are the Sacred Light Hall and the Inner and Outer Chamber where the Sacred Buddha Tooth is housed in an elegant surrounding. The ceiling is lit with Tang-style lanterns.
•  If your visit coincides with chanting in the main temple area on the ground floor, take some time to just walk slowly around the outer perimeter and absorb the atmosphere and the chanting. Going up to the mezzanine also provides a good view of the main area and an opportunity to take in all the lush décor.
• The relic display/museum ( levels 3/4) closes around 5:45 pm, therefore, plan your visit accordingly. Level 1 remains open till around 6:30 pm when there is a closing ceremony.
•  Please do not touch or move any artifacts for your safety and to protect our artifacts.
  
• 2 min walk from Budhha temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore - Mariamman temple, so you can combine your visit.
•  You do not need any guide for this place.
  

Operational Hours

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