The Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple was originally built in 1992. It is located at 83, Tampines Link. It has long been a popular temple, attracting many devotees from around the island. It comes as no surprise that given its fast growing number of devotees, the temple finally has to make way at a new location. The new building stands 4-storey high and is able to house more and better facilities, including two basement car-parks, a dining hall and a larger monk’s dormitory. The reconstruction started in April 2014 and completed in Oct 2016.
The Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple is designed to meet the requirements of modern Dharma propagation works. Under the guiding inspiration of Venerable Shi Fazhoa’s compassionate vow, the temple serves as a means to bring the profound Buddhist teaching to the general public for a blessed and purposeful life. It serves as an abode of peace and tranquillity. The design emphasises simplicity in spatial planning, staying true to the teachings of Buddha. The design incorporates the use of materials and symbolic ornamentations, creating a tranquil spiritual sanctuary and a place of respite for devotees and the monks; a space that can soothe the mind, body and spirit of oneself.
The large single space is the main prayer hall, dining hall and the surrounding external verandas at the 1st & 2nd floor which facilitates the mass of people who often come to the temple. This aids for better flow during major temple’s events. The Upper floors are restricted mainly for the administration staff. The space can be used for meetings and a part of it has been allocated for the monks’ quarters. As one proceeds up the rooftop, devotees will enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings with a grand golden Stupa centrally positioned surrounded by lush landscape and water features; a culmination of humility and dignity of the spirit of Buddha.
Photographs by Albert Lim KS