11/7/11

Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown, here we come!

The stalls around Chinatown are mostly located near the MRT Chinatown's exit. The place is just like Divisoria in the Philippines where you can also find many cheap items direct from the manufacturers. One thing that caught my attention here was the cleanliness and safety of the shopping area. Shopping stalls are well maintained and perfectly in order. I can't even hear any street vendors yelling and yapping.  Maybe, these are the common reasons why tourist are keep coming back to Singapore over and over again.


If you're on a budget and want to find some cheap things to buy, then you have the best option to haggle things here in Chinatown.


hunting for souvenir items again?



























The peak and impressive colorful architecture of gopuram.  

A gopuram is basically the entrance to a temple. The gopuram is a common feature in many temples in South India.

The structure of the gopuram is in the form of a tower, and is sculpted skillfully with tales from mythology and mostly related to the deity present in the temple.




Seen at the back is The Sri Mariamman Temple.


The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.
The Temple is situated at 251, Yishun Avenue 3, providing spiritual, social and community services to Singaporeans and was founded in 1827 by Naraina Pilla. 


The main entrance. See the sign? 
It is polite to bow your head and pay respect to the temple and the statues. Take off your shoes in or around the temple grounds and don't disturb the worshippers.


The stunning rooftop of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple


The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a remarkable four-story temple. The sacred and beautiful temple with lots of color is located in the heart of Chinatown and was founded in 2002 and opened to public only in 2007. 

every visitor is praying and placing incense sticks on a large jar for good luck.

The temple is open to all but please abide the following rules when entering the Temple.

Wear appropriate attire to show respect; no bare backs, off-shoulders, shorts, mini-skirts, etc. Strictly no non-vegetarian food and pets inside the Temple.




Before entering the temple we lit some incense and prayed. I am a devoted Catholic, I addressed my prayers to Jesus not to Buddha. I hope Buddha understands.




The temple itself is huge and heavily decorated with colorful lanterns and lotus flowers.

The sacred altar

The sacred relics

The relic chamber 
Showcase inside are the sacred relics of Buddha, such as bone relic, intestine relic, blood relic, brain relic, tongue relic, etc, to let devotees to have the chance to venerate and offer respects to the Buddha’s relics in person. 

The Golden Buddha that sits atop in the center of the huge golden altar


All of those who came inside (including us) were absolutely impressed of the temple.



Can you read this for me?


Chinese colorful lanterns were lit up before it gets dark, attracting lots of tourists to stay until late at night.

Rubbing Buddha's tummy brings wealth and fortune.

End


I'll write more about this place some other time. I'm yawning already. Night!   

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