Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Hue – The place where the most complete preservation of the soul and color of the national culture is preserved. In particular,  Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue  is likened to the “soul” of this land. Thien Mu Pagoda is a check-in point not to be missed when visiting this ancient land. Let’s explore the fascinating and interesting things in this 400-year-old sacred temple!

1. About Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue

Thien Mu Pagoda is also known by another name, Linh Mu Pagoda. If someone says they love Hue but doesn’t know where Thien Mu Pagoda is, it’s not a “deep” love. 

This pagoda is located on Ha Khue hill – In the territory of An Ninh Thuong village, Kim Long ward, 5km west of Hue city center. The front side of the pagoda is the poetic Perfume River. With the charming scenery here, Thien Mu is a destination not to be missed for diners every time they visit Hue.

According to historical records, Lord Nguyen Hoang – the first lord of Dang Trong was the one who built this temple. In 1601, in order to prepare for the process of expanding the territory and building the kingdom, Lord Nguyen Hoang and his soldiers roamed along the banks of the Huong deep. He suddenly caught sight of a small hill jutting up by the blue river, like a dragon turning his head to look back.

Thien Mu Pagoda address is located in An Ninh Thuong village, Kim Long ward (Photo source: Collectibles)

At the same time, people in the area spread the story of an old woman wearing a red shirt, with a kind face. Every night she goes to Ha Khue hill and tells everyone: Here there will be a true lord who will build a temple to guard the dragon vein.

Seeing that his idea was compatible with the story, Nguyen Hoang immediately ordered the soldiers to build a temple on the hill. At this time, the pagoda was named “Thien Mu Tu” – that is, “The midwife of heaven”.

According to the time stamp, the temple has undergone many restorations. In which, the most prominent is the restoration in 1710, during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. He completed and changed many architectures of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. In particular, a Dai Hong Chung fruit weighing more than 2 tons was newly cast and placed at Dai Hung Palace.

The history of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue has gone through more than 400 years, but still retains its ancient and contemplative appearance (Image source: Collectibles)

Up to now, the pagoda is still worthy of the title “First Co Tu”, not only a purely spiritual place but also a beautiful landscape of the Ancient Capital. In addition to learning the destinations in Hue, choosing a place to stay to relax and recharge after each journey is also something you should pay attention to.

2. True curses revolving around Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

The process of formation and development of the temple is associated with many mysterious legends that are remembered forever. Among them is the story of “resentment of love”.

The story goes that, in that land, there lived a couple who fell in love passionately. But ironically, the thought at that time did not accept that a man with no wealth, lowly family could marry the daughter of the lady’s family. This couple is also in the same situation. Therefore, their love cannot avoid fierce opposition from the girl’s family.

Too miserable for fate, the two threw themselves into the river of incense. It was thought that “if we can’t live together, we die together”, but only the boy left, and the girl drifted ashore and was rescued by people.

Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue is mysterious by the story of “resentment of love”

The pain of the girl’s love is almost healed over time. Meanwhile, the boy was still waiting for the girl in the place of death, but he was never found. He was frustrated and “entered” Thien Mu pagoda. From then on, people spread the curse that “Any couple who asks to come here will not have a good ending”. The curse so far has not been broken, making Thien Mu Hue pagoda more spiritual and mysterious.

Referring to the legend of  Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue , the abbot here said: In fact, this is a story woven to deter loving couples from taking advantage of a hidden corner in the temple to do things that affect their respect. strict and calm.

So this curse is completely bogus. However, I also want to remind everyone when visiting to have a polite attitude, the page is tilted so as not to lose the beautiful image and value of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue.

3. Sights to discover the ancient architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda

Map of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue:

Panoramic map of Thien Mu pagoda (Image source: Collectibles)

The picture “Thien Mu” in every corner shows the poetic, poetic quality that makes you go from one surprise to another. Let’s explore with us the unique features of the architecture and the lyrical landscape here that have entered countless pages of books and music!

3.1. Dai Hung Palace

Located in the main hall of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Dai Hung Palace is a place to worship Maitreya Buddha – the God who brings carefree joy. The statue depicts Maitreya Buddha with a gentle appearance, big ears, a big belly containing tolerance and a kind smile. Electricity is built entirely of solid cement. The side is repainted in wood color, giving us a feeling of closeness and familiarity.

Dai Hung Palace (Photo source: Collected)

Not only displaying Maitreya Buddha, Dai Hung Palace is also home to a great letter, dating from 1974, and an extremely delicate bronze sun and moon bell. Going deep inside is a temple, in the center is a statue of Tam The Buddha, on the left is Van Phu Bodhisattva and on the right is Pho Hien. In particular, the land deep inside Dai Hung Palace is the burial place of Dharma Master Thich Don Hau – Abbot of the pagoda.

3.2. Phuoc Duyen Tower

Phuoc Duyen Tower is a check-in point not to be missed when traveling to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. This work is built right after the welcome gate area. Although located in front, but Phuoc Duyen tower is likened to the “soul” of the pagoda. This architecture, together with other works, forms a cohesive complex with unique and different features but still bold in Hue.

Phuoc Duyen tower was built in 1844 by King Thieu Tri. At first, it was named Tu Nhan Thap. Then change to the current name. At that time, in order to complete the tower, the materials from clay, bar stone and Bat Trang pottery had to be transferred from outside. 

Phuoc Duyen Tower – A check-in point not to be missed when visiting the temple (Photo source: Collectibles)

The body of the tower is built of rustic bricks, the curb is built of bar stone. All combined to form an octagonal tower block, the higher it is, the smaller it gets, with all 7 floors, 2m each. Overall, the design of each floor is exactly the same, painted in pink. Over the years, it has brought the stamp of “time”, highlighting the unique value of the ancient capital’s architecture.

3.3. Tomb of the late monk Thich Don Hau

Most Venerable Thich Don Hau is 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 by countless public activities, helping his people. When he passed away, people and temple administrators buried the monk under the tower located at the end of the campus to show their gratitude to the revered monk.

The tomb of the late monk Thich Don Hau (Photo source: Collectibles)

3.4. Jizhong Palace

This work is located right behind Dai Hung Palace. The scenery here gives you peace and quiet. In front is a large yard, with grass and green lake. Surely this will be an interesting stop in your exploration of  Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue  that you cannot ignore.

When you visit the Diem Temple, don’t forget to pay respects to the Buddhas worshiped here!

The Temple of the Earth (Image source: Collectibles)

3.5 Tam Quan Gate

This is the main entrance of the pagoda, located behind Phuoc Duyen Tower. The gate has 3 paths, representing the 3 worlds: Human – Devil – God. The gate is designed with 2 floors and 8 roofs. On the second floor of the middle gate, there is a Buddhist shrine. The top of the roof is carved with many unique patterns. The two sides of the path are guarded by a statue of Dharma Protector.

Tam Quan Gate (Image source: Collectibles)

After visiting and exploring every corner of the temple, a “true” place to stay will be what visitors need most right now. Vinpearl Hotel Hue system will be a great choice that we want to bring to visitors.

Located at 50A Hung Vuong Street, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province. This resort has all 33 floors with a view overlooking the romantic Perfume River for you to enjoy the scenery. Along with that, a system of rooms with European standards will be a memorable highlight in your discovery of the ancient capital.

Luxury rooms at Vinpearl Hotel Hue – an ideal stopover when visiting Thien Mu Pagoda