Singapore, the bustling country located in Southeast Asia is every traveller's dream. It is probably one of the first few places that anyone would like to visit when they embark on international trips. Located in close proximity to Malaysia, Singapore is a country that follows a lot of Buddhist ideologies. It is the very same reason that you will find famous Buddhist temples located across Singapore. If you are a culture enthusiast you should pay a visit to these temples. Even if you are someone who would like to do a standard tour involving a visit to Sentosa or Gardens by the Bay, you should definitely squeeze in time to pay respects at the Buddhist temples. Here is a list of some of the famous ones among the lot that you should add as a must-visit in your Singapore itinerary.
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
Also known as the "Temple of Thousand Lights", it is a Buddhist monastery located in Little India, Singapore. The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple has a 15 feet high Buddha statue making it one of the tallest Buddha statues in the country. The splendid architecture will leave you awestruck as it is a mixture of Indian, Thai and Chinese styles. Fresco paintings are a common sight within the temple which showcase the various stages of Buddha's life. It has been named as the “Temple of Thousand Lights” because of the thousand lamps which are lit around the large statue of Buddha.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This is one of the most famous temples located in China Town in Singapore. It is home to a humongous solid gold stupa weighing almost 320 kilograms. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, as the name suggests is known to have a relic of the canine tooth of Buddha himself. The temple is a five-storeyed building where there is also a cultural museum housing artefacts which belong to Buddha. This immensely sacred place is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Singapore and is a picture-perfect location. Do not forget to visit the Sangha Museum where you can witness cultural performances and religious talks to understand Buddhist ideologies.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Burmese Buddhist Temple
This is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Singapore. It is made out of traditional Burmese architecture and is an extremely popular Buddhist temple in Singapore. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple will leave you enchanted since you will find two lion-like figurines protecting the white marble statue of Buddha inside the temple. A lot of activities take place within the temple and you can also enrol for Dhamma classes which will encapsulate Buddhist virtues. The temple is so valuable that it has been regarded as a National Heritage Site by the Government of Singapore.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery
Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is a scenic temple monastery located in the region of Toa Payoh in Singapore. You will be able to witness a striking similarity between this temple and an 800-year-old Fujian temple. When translated to Chinese this temple means 'Twin Grove of the Lotus Mountain Temple' in the representation of Bodhgaya in India. This was the very place where Buddha attained enlightenment. The courtyard of this temple is surrounded by Bonsai trees giving it a lush appearance overall. With the deep-rooted history of about a hundred years, Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery has also been regarded as a National Heritage Site by the Government of Singapore.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Wei Tuo Fa Gong Temple
This is a unique temple located on Pulau Ubin Island in Singapore. Home to a number of shrines of both Hindu and Buddhist deities, the speciality of this temple is that it has a golden statue of Buddha himself seated on a lotus at the gate of the temple. The serene setup of having a lush ambience and adjoining ponds filled with turtles is sure to leave you with a blissful feeling. When you enter this temple, you will get a homely vibe, as it has a more authentic and respectful touch to it. If you are a peace seeker or a culture enthusiast, you will find yourself getting drawn to this temple in no time.
Image source: Google Images
Kuan Im Tng Temple
Devoted to the Goddess of Mercy, this temple follows Buddhism and the religious sects of Taoism and Confucianism. It is unique among all the Buddhist temples in Singapore because it follows and respects three different religions at the same time. This peaceful religious centre has undergone around two renovations. This was because the temple was an erstwhile coconut plantation hub. Be it during the festival season or on normal days, the essence and religious vibe of this temple will transport you to a different world altogether.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
These were some examples of the Buddhist temples which are a must-visit in Singapore. Make sure you add them as part of your Singapore trip package and experience a spiritual rejuvenation. To help you plan the ultimate tour package, reach out to Pickyourtrail with customisable itinerary options and on-trip support. Start planning your spiritual getaway today!
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