Dedicated to the memory of the birth, enlightenment and demise of Lord Buddha the temple of thousand lights as it is known has abundant lights hung on its walls shedding light to the entire region, almost a symbol of how Lord Buddha’s teachings shed light to mankind.
Known as the temple of Thousand lights, the Sakya Muni Buddha is the mostly frequently visited Buddhist temple in Singapore. A Thai monk by the name Vutthisara founded this temple in the year 1972. It wouldn’t take long for anyone to notice the heavy Thai influence of the architecture. Here sits a 15 meter high statue of Lord Buddha, surrounded by a seemingly endless chain of lights.
At the foot of this beautiful statue a Fresco depicts the stages and events of Lord Buddha’s life. Apart from this, there is also a Reclining Buddha statue at the back of the original statue and most people are awed by the sheer size of it before they are inspired by the calm and collected features that have been skilfully worked on to it. Travellers often take hundreds of snapshots of this magnificent statue and it manages to inspire a few hundred devotees a day. Whether you are a devotee of Buddhism or not, anyone with an interest in architecture would love the experience of visiting this temple.
The day of Vesak sees devotees pour in to the premises from all over Singapore and all across the globe to place a golden leaf over the Buddha statue and offer alms. A spectacular festival of lights,Vesak sees the temple grandly decorated. The area comes alive with more lanterns and good cheer as people flock up to the temple to celebrate their lord and his teachings.
Seeking for accommodation in Singapore? Singapore hotels offer a soothing blend of hospitality, comfort and mouth watering Cuisine. Among the hotels in Singapore, one that offers the best of Eastern hospitality is the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore. Located close to several attractions and scenic venues this hotel offers travellers the convenience of being within minutes to most must see places while in this vibrant country.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.
