Burmese Buddhist Temple

The Burmese Buddhist Temple, also known as Maha Sasana Ramsi, is a Theravada Buddhist temple located at 14 Tai Gin Road in the Balestier area of Novena, Singapore. Founded in 1875 by Burmese merchant U Thar Hnin, it is the only Burmese Buddhist temple outside Myanmar built in traditional Burmese style. It is notable for housing an 11-ton, 3.3-metre white marble Buddha statue, the largest of its kind outside Myanmar, along with ornate Burmese architecture and cultural artefacts.

Visitors can expect a tranquil temple compound built in traditional Burmese architectural style with multi-tiered roofs, ornate wood carvings and gold detailing. The main prayer hall houses the large white marble Buddha statue in seated posture, flanked by smaller Buddha images. Surroundings include a Bodhi tree, gardens, and halls displaying Burmese cultural artefacts, murals and donor plaques. The atmosphere is quiet and devotional, with areas for prayer, meditation and observation of Buddhist rituals.

Founded in 1875 by Burmese merchant U Thar Hnin at Kinta Road. The original temple was established to serve the Burmese community in Singapore. Due to urban redevelopment, the temple relocated to its current site at 14 Tai Gin Road in 1991. The present building was constructed in traditional Burmese style and consecrated in 1991, preserving Burmese Theravada Buddhist heritage in Singapore.

The temple is the only Burmese Buddhist temple outside Myanmar built in traditional Burmese architectural style. It serves as the main religious and cultural centre for the Burmese community in Singapore and for Theravada Buddhists. It houses important religious relics and the revered white marble Buddha image donated from Myanmar, reflecting strong cultural ties between Singapore and Myanmar.