Buddhists see gold donations as "highest level of respect"

The burial of gold jewellery in Singapore highlights the strong Buddhist view of respect, according to a religious leader.

A total of 1,700 kilograms of jewellery has been buried at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore by over 15,000 devotees, reports the Straits Times.

It is hoped that the $59 million temple, the home to the tooth of Gautama Siddhartha, will be completed by February next year and is seen as an important landmark for the local Buddhist followers.

All of the jewellery donated during the last two months will be buried in three vaults and sealed with concrete.

The Venerable Fazhao, head abbot and management chairman, explained: "Parting with material possessions requires sacrifice, the highest form of respect."

Gold will also play a key role in the temple's 3.6-metre high pagoda. Over 465 kilograms of gold will be used in the construction of the structure alongside 600 rubies, emeralds and pearls.

Much of the gold has been provided by followers in the form of chains, rings and bracelets which can be melted down.