A Visual Tour of Singapore’s Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Must-See Interior Shots
Visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore was more than just another stop on my travels. The truth is that it felt deeply personal. You see I used to be a practicing Buddhist at one point in my life, and stepping into this temple brought back memories of the peace and reflection I once found in those teachings.
The moment you walk inside, the air feels different. The warm light from golden statues fills the hall, incense lingers in the background, and the details of the architecture pull you into a space where everything slows down.
For me, this wasn’t just about sightseeing. The truth is that it reminded me of values I once lived by – mindfulness, compassion, and stillness in the middle of life’s chaos.
So instead of simply telling you about it, I want to share the experience visually. Here are some of the images I captured inside, so you can see why the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple remains one of the most stunning and sacred places in Singapore.
A beautifully decorated ceremonial bell displayed inside the temple.
Rows of golden niches line the temple’s red corridor.
A devotee offers prayers in front of the golden altar.
Worshippers inside the sacred prayer hall of the temple.
A devotee prepares offerings at the altar table.
What Kind of Buddhism Is Practiced Here
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is part of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, which is the branch of Buddhism most commonly practiced in Chinese communities. What makes Mahayana stand out is its focus on compassion and the idea of the bodhisattva, someone who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but also to help others along the way.
This temple in Singapore reflects that spirit beautifully. It was built in the style of the Tang Dynasty, a period in China when Buddhism was thriving. Inside, you’ll notice statues not only of the Buddha but also of bodhisattvas like Guanyin, who is often seen as a symbol of mercy and compassion. Monks still live and train here, and daily prayers fill the halls with chanting and incense.
Monks offering prayers at the golden Buddha in the temple’s main hall.
A wide view of the richly decorated main hall.
The grand main altar of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, glowing with gold and devotion.
Lanterns light up the hall as the golden Buddha watches over worshippers.
Lanterns light up the hall in front of the golden Buddha.
Facts About Buddhism in Singapore
Buddhism is one of the largest religions in Singapore, and you can see its influence everywhere from temples in Chinatown to festivals celebrated across the island. Here are a few interesting facts that stood out to me:
- Biggest Religion in Singapore: According to recent surveys, about one in three Singaporeans identify as Buddhist. This makes it the country’s largest religious group.
- Mostly Mahayana Tradition: The majority of Buddhists here follow the Mahayana tradition. And this is why when you travel around Singapore, yYou will find statues of the Buddha as well as bodhisattvas like Guanyin in many temples.
- Theravāda and Vajrayāna Are Present Too: While Mahayana is the most common, Singapore is also home to Theravāda Buddhism, brought by Thai and Burmese communities, and Vajrayāna Buddhism, practiced by Tibetans and some Singaporeans who were drawn to it.
- Temples as Cultural Hubs: Temples in Singapore don’t only serve as places of worship but also as places that host cultural events, community services, and festivals like Vesak Day.
Golden statues displayed in niches at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
The temple’s corridor lined with golden statues and intricate carvings.
The sacred Buddha statue illuminated by hundreds of lanterns above.
The golden Buddha radiating peace, framed by a flame halo.
