Defined by a search for enlightenment, the revered religion of Buddhism has roots embedded in most South Asian and South East Asian nations in the world. Traced back to the sixth century B.C, Buddhism began with the birth of its historical founder, Siddharta Gautama, born in Lumbini in Nepal, and is one of the oldest religions practiced in the world today. Having attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhi Gaya, India, Siddharta Gautama was known as The Enlightened One.
In modern times, Buddhist temples, ashrams and museums dedicated to the development and spread of the religion, have sprung up in various parts of the world while the majority is concentrated in South Asia. Though there exists three strands of the religion, this has not diluted its faith even in the slightest. In Chinatown, Singapore, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is one such dedication to the spread of the religion which, to date, remains a very popular attraction in the district.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, is as indicated by its name, home to a temple as well as a museum. The temple itself is home to a relic of the Gautama Buddha enshrined within a stupa in Myanmar. Subsequent to its collapse in 1980, the relic was then enshrined in the stupa present in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Singapore. The architecture of the shrine too, is a sight to behold for it is sculptured and designed in the architectural styles present in the Tang Dynasty. The premises was opened in 2007 in the month of May, which celebrates the Birth, Enlightenment and the ‘Parinirvana’ of the Buddha, known as Vesak.
When residing in hotels in Singapore, make a visit to this Temple and Museum for it proves to be a truly wonderful insight into the everyday lives of the locals and their faith. One need not be concerned about making their way back to Singapore hotels for meals as the premises itself provides the option of dining on a simple vegetarian meal. In the event one is in need of a reputed chain of hotels to reside in while visiting these attractions, the Millennium & Copthorne hotels Singapore can be recommended.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Free Spirit. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.