Discover the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple in Singapore
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is a famous Buddhist monastery located in Singapore. Originally set up by Venerable Vutthisara of Thailand, the temple has been a prominent landmark in the country since its establishment. The present premises of the temple are located at Race Course Road, Singapore.
The temple is known for its 15-meter-high statue of the seated Buddha, a major visitor attraction. The temple is also known as the Temple of a Thousand Lights, owing to the numerous lights surrounding the Buddha statue. Interestingly, the temple is visited by both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers, as it also houses statues of Ganesha and the four-faced Buddha, similar to the Hindu god Brahma.
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple has its origins in 1927 when a Thai monk, the Venerable Vutthisasara, erected a temporary shelter made of zinc and wooden planks along Race Course Road to house a statue of Buddha that he had carried to Singapore. Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions, and today, it is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Singapore.
Historical Background
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple was founded in 1927 by Venerable Vutthisara, a Thai monk who came to Singapore and erected a temporary shelter made of zinc and wooden planks along Race Course Road to house a statue of Buddha that he had carried with him from Thailand.
The temple was later rebuilt in 1933 with the help of Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, the founders of the famous Tiger Balm brand. The new temple was designed in the Chinese style and featured a 15-meter-high statue of the seated Buddha, cast in bronze and gilded with gold. The statue is one of the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia and is a popular attraction for tourists and devotees alike.
The temple’s name refers to the Buddha, also known as Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautama. The temple is also known for its Thousand-Light Offering ceremony, which is held on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. During the ceremony, devotees light candles and incense to pay tribute to their ancestors and to seek blessings for the coming year.
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple has become an important religious and cultural landmark in Singapore, attracting visitors worldwide. Its historical background and unique architecture make it a fascinating destination for those interested…
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