Seat Drum Throne

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a religious icon

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore is a relatively recently constructed shrine, created at great expense and completed in 2007, which is accorded great importance. The temple's principal founders are Ven. Shi Fa Zhao, the abbot of the Singapore Golden Pagoda Temple and the abbot of Myanmar's Bandulla Monastery.

The temple's design was envisaged to follow the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, reflecting the concept of the Buddhist cosmos, or Mandala. The temple houses relics of the Buddha which were gifted by Sri Lanka while the Ven. Shi Fa Zhao was in the island on a pilgrimage in 1992.

The temple's main role is as a shrine primarily devoted to the future Buddha, Maitreya. The temple's most resplendent feature is the solid gold 2 metre stupa, but many other objects of interest await the visitor.

The entrance gate of the temple is bordered by immense timber columns, while the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are positioned to the right and left respectively. The temple's principal shrine is the splendid 100 Dragons Hall, with its lofty 27 foot high ceiling; pride of place goes to a wooden figure of Buddha Maitreya. In an adjacent chamber the visitor will find a statue of Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara, often identified as the goddess of mercy Kuan Yin seated on a magnificent lotus throne.

In the Dharma Hall on the intermediate floor one again finds an image of the Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara, along with the Museum of Eminent Sangha, which features wax effigies of renowned monks.

On the temple's second floor the visitor will encounter the Manjushri Hall, which showcases calligraphy and Buddhist art. The guest can enjoy tea and vegetarian food at the adjoining Lotus Heart Teahouse.

On the third floor you will find sacred relics of the Buddha, along with the relics of renowned monks. Another highlight is the Samantabhadra Hall, displaying items relating to all forms of Buddhism.

The fourth floor of the temple contains the grand Sacred Light Hall which features the chamber which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Here you will find the precious golden stupa which contains the priceless relic.

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About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Seat Drum Throne

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