Mallika Dureja
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) is one of the most prominent religious and cultural landmarks in Singapore, as well as a popular tourist destination. Since 2007 when the temple’s entrance was opened to the public, the temple’s annual visitor count has increased.
The exterior of the temple’s Tang-style architecture with its brilliant red, green, and gold hues never ceases to astound both first-time and repeat visitors. As you past the temple’s main entrance, the aroma of incense candles and the sound of the chimes will calm your senses and transport you to a different world.
Each level of the four-story temple is devoted to a distinct aspect of the Lord Buddha. The walls of the Hall of Universal Wisdom are adorned with Buddha figurines, each bearing a unique name and displaying a distinct mudra (hand gesture).
The focal point of the BTRTM is the tooth relic of Gautama Buddha, which is enshrined on a 402 kg gold stupa where Buddhist monks conduct daily rituals. The public can only observe it from a certain distance twice per day.
The rooftop garden on the fourth floor is abundant with rare species of trees and bushes, making it a tranquil retreat for visitors to rest and meditate. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple also houses the largest prayer wheel in the world, the Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel.
Though predominantly an institution for promoting Buddhist philosophy, BTRTM is also well-known for its committed welfare service to underprivileged members of society through a variety of activities.
