Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, Buddhist temple in Kallang, Singapore
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is a Buddhist temple on Race Course Road in Kallang, Singapore, known for a seated Buddha statue that stands 15 meters (49 feet) tall and weighs around 300 tons. The interior is lit by thousands of light bulbs arranged around the statue and throughout the surrounding space.
The temple was founded in 1927 by a Thai monk named Vutthisara, and the main building was completed in 1930 thanks to funding from Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, the brothers behind the Tiger Balm brand. Their contribution made it possible to finish the central structure.
During Vesak, worshippers press thin sheets of gold leaf onto a Buddha figure as a personal act of devotion. Visitors who come at this time can watch or join in this practice directly.
The temple is open daily and free to enter, so there is no need to plan around opening hours or fees. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as is common in Buddhist places of worship.
Inside the temple there is a footprint of the Buddha made from ebony and mother-of-pearl, along with a piece of bark from the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment. Both objects are considered direct links to key sites in Buddhist history.
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