Right next to the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple in Chinatown ( please see yesterday's photo of the temple's tower ) is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
In Chinese, it is called "Fuo Ya Shi". That is what is written on the door sign above the main entrance. The sign is beautiful, and adorned with the intricate carving of 5 gorgeous dragons.
As the name implies, this temple is home to a Buddha Tooth Relic (remains of a tooth reportedly to have been the Buddha's). The Buddha Tooth Relic is housed within a 3.6m tall stupa made from 420kg of gold. This relic is one of a handful in the world.
The temple is a massive complex which cost S$62 million to build. Most of the money came from devotees and donors. The halls within the 4-storey building include a museum and a gallery. One hall contains 100 hand-crafted Buddhas. I've been inside, and I will say that the interior is jaw-droppingly magnificent, something you have to see to believe.
This reminded me of my 1st time experience visiting a Buddhist temple named Wat Nong Wang back in Khon Kaen, Thailand while doing my practicals there with coursemates. Beautiful shot!
Fantastic colours and lines Livia, all wrapped up in a wonderful tale. I remember the purity of the Buddhist faith from my time in the Far East. The western world could learn so much about how to approach life and its challenges from these peaceful people. Your shots this week have been great photo-journalism, I have really enjoyed them.
This is an absolutely amazing POV, Livia! I have tried this kind of angle many times and you have to be EXPERT to achieve it as well as you have. It is very difficult. The colors are beautiful as is the lighting. Did you like going outside as opposed to your normal shoots?!
@karenann Going outside is exciting but I still feel uncomfortable walking around with my camera in my hand. Haha. I always plan my outdoor photography excursions to happen as early in the morning as possible, to avoid the crowds, so I'm out of the house by 7am and I get to where I want to go by 8 or 8.30am. This shot happened quite late, around 10am, and you can see how strong the sunlight was already at that time, with the overexposure on the left. Usually I quit taking photos around 10.30am, or earlier if there is absolutely no shade. It's just too hot and humid and I want to be indoors where there's air-conditioning and a cold drink. I am a weak person like that. 8D
Beautiful! love the punch of red and the patterns. When you go inside, do you feel a sense of peace come over you? (I ask because I once visited a beautiful cathedral in Washington DC and I was speechless when I went inside..brought tears to my eyes.)
@elizabeth264 Actually, yes! I do enjoy visiting temples and when I am in one, I feel like I am in a place where I feel protected. Even though I am not a Buddhist. Looking at the Buddha images, listening to the prayers, watching the rituals... I feel sort of calmed down. Maybe it's because Buddhism gave my mother a great sense of peace. She passed away in December and, ever since, my sisters and I have been visiting the temples to see to her last wishes. The rituals and prayers have been very comforting for us to experience.
Extreme heat is my weakness, Livia. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed on very hot and humid summer days. The cold isn't enjoyable either, but it never stops me from going out and taking photos. My husband always tells me to dress warmer, but I can't work that way either. Cold sharp winds make tears run down my face and stil, I can keep shooting. I am totally weird, I guess.
A big, massively red-faced, loud and bright "THANK YOU!" to all!
Thank you for taking the time. I know everyone's busy, I am grateful that you have stopped by and left a comment. I appreciate every one. Again, thank you!
Thank you for taking the time. I know everyone's busy, I am grateful that you have stopped by and left a comment. I appreciate every one. Again, thank you!