Thien Mu Pagoda is an ancient temple in Hue, becoming one of the most famous destinations in Hue, containing many historical stories and not only possesses important architectural works but is also known as the spiritual pagoda most sacred in Hue.
Hue daily tours
Thien Mu pagoda, also known as Linh Mu pagoda, is one of the most fascinating and ancient pagodas in Hue city, was built by Lord Nguyen Hoang – the first lord of Nguyen Dynasty in Dang Trong (Southern Vietnam) in 1601. The pagoda is located on the north bank of the Perfume River in the territory of Huong Long commune, 5km from the center of Hue city. The pagoda used to be a significant place of Buddhism during the Nguyen Dynasty.
Before the founding of the pagoda, on Ha Khe hill, there was a pagoda also named Thien Mo or Thien Mau, a temple of the Cham people.
Legend has it that, when Lord Nguyen Hoang entered the province of Thuan Hoa and defended Quang Nam, he went to examine the terrain here to prepare for the plot to expand the inheritance and build the Jiangshan for the line later Nguyen. During a horseback ride along the Perfume River upstream, he encountered a small hill jutting out by the meandering blue water, the earth looked like a dragon looking back. The name is Ha Khe hill.
The local people also said that there was an old lady, in red and green clothes, appearing on the hill every night and telling the local people that a true Lord would come and build a pagoda for the country’s prosperity. The great thought of Lord Nguyen Hoang seems to be in tune with the will of the people. Nguyen Hoang was happy, in 1601 he built a temple on the hill, facing the Perfume River, named “Thien Mu”.
Phuoc Duyen tower today has become a famous symbol associated with Thien Mu pagoda. Built-in front of the temple in 1984, this tower has a height of 21 meters and 7 floors. It was a birthday gift from Tu Duc Emperor offered to his grandmother in 1844. Each floor has a Buddha statue. Inside there is a spiral staircase that leads to the top floor, where the former golden Buddha statue is located.
On the right-hand side, there is a stele bar 2.6m high, 1.25m wide placed on the back of a granite turtle 2.2m long, 1.6m wide built in 1715. Turtle is one of the four holy animals in Vietnam. The symbol of longevity and education. The stele on the back of the turtle is a commemoration of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu’s renovation. The text inscribed on the stele, penned by the Lord, portrays the new buildings of the pagoda and praises Buddhism, as well as the monk, who helped the Lord spread the faith throughout the region.
On the left-hand side, there is a pavilion featuring a huge bronze bell, named Dai Hong Chung. Cast in 1710, it is 2.5m high, 1.4m in diameter, weighs 2,052kg.
Tam Quan Gate is the first point you go through when entering Thien Mu Pagoda. This is the main gate leading directly to the temple. The gate has a total of 2 floors, 8 roofs, and 3 aisles. Around the gate are statues of the protector deity who guard the peace of the temple.
Dai Hung Shrine which is the sanctuary shrine is where people pray and worship three Buddha statues, symbols of the past, present, and future, three lives of human beings. It is also the place where Buddhist monks worship.
In Thien Mu Pagoda, there is an antique car carefully preserved by the people. The Austin Westminster car paraded and saw off the Venerable Thich Quang Duc, who burned himself on June 11, 1963, to fight against the government Ngo Dinh Diem. Asking for the freedom of people to follow Buddhism.
The last one in the pagoda is the tower of Most Venerable Thich Don Hau a famous abbot in the temple. He devoted his life to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam. In addition, he was also respected by the people through countless public activities, helping his people. When he passed away, people and temple administrators buried the Venerable under the tower located at the end of the campus to show their gratitude to the revered monk.
Don’t miss exploring this pagoda when you come to Hue. Come to Elephant Travel, we’ll take you to discover this temple and many other fascinating tourist attractions.
Hue daily tours
