Buzz
Tea fields surrounding the temple.
Di Da Pagoda is situated in Dang Dung hamlet, Da Ton commune, Bao Lam district, Lam Dong province, approximately 30 km from Bao Loc city. Constructed in 2005 on an area of about 13 hectares, this is a place for study and meditation for Buddhist followers of the Kinh, Chau Ma, Tay, K' Ho ethnic groups.
With a unique architectural ensemble, harmoniously blending the styles of Buddhist, Chau Ma, and Central Highlands architecture. Let's temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of life and join us in exploring the distinctive features of this largest temple in Bao Loc!Di Da Pagoda Bao Loc's premises
As soon as we step into the temple for a visit, the first thing we notice is the vast and lush green tea hills surrounding the temple grounds. From the main gate of the temple, a staircase descends with two sides adorned with green tea fields, and two rows of straightly arranged areca palms create a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing view. A miniature scene of lotus pond, small staircases resembling other Vietnamese temples.
The pathway leading down from the main gate.
A shrine resembling the 'One Pillar Pagoda' amidst the lake.
Venturing a bit further inside, to our left is a shrine situated in the middle of a large lake, with a footbridge leading to it, reminiscent of the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi. The shrine has a spacious parking area, and the main path leading to the shrine is flanked by statues of two large elephants facing each other, exuding a solemn aura. The elephant, a creature closely associated with the unique culture of the Central Highlands, adds to the cultural richness of the site.
The exit path from the main shrine.
The clear blue sky above.
Surrounding the temple are pedestrian walkways, scenic water features, lush trees, pine forests, statues of Bodhisattva Quan Yin, the Buddha Thich Ca Mau Ni under the Bodhi tree, and the Buddha Amitabha. Exploring each area of the temple with gentle footsteps brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the heart.
The statue of Buddha Thich Ca Mau Ni under the Bodhi tree.
The statue of Goddess Quan The Am.
Behind the temple lies the guest road, the boy's road... this is an important reception area for the temple, where they hold meditation retreats or provide accommodation for those travelers who wish to stay longer for spiritual reflection and meditation.
Currently, the temple is undergoing renovations and expansions. According to a local resident, people here willingly contribute their labor to the temple's construction as a way of accumulating merit for themselves and their families. Watching people of all ages, from the elderly to the youth, women, and children of different generations, working together to roof the temple with bricks and tiles, their smiles soaked in sweat, is truly moving and inspiring.
The ongoing construction project of the temple.
The distinctive architecture of the temple
The temple features architecture built in the style of the communal houses (Nha Rong) of the Central Highlands. The people of the Central Highlands believe that the communal house, or stilt house, is a sacred space where the spiritual energy of the land and sky converges to protect the villagers. Therefore, each communal house has a sacred area to worship sacred objects, sometimes just a knife, a stone, or a buffalo horn.
The main worship hall.
Another perspective of the main worship hall.
Among the elements defining the cultural identity of the Central Highlands, the communal house plays a crucial role. It is significant not only for its material value but also as the repository of enduring spiritual and cultural layers of the Central Highlands residents.
More than just a spiritual place, it embodies the blood, sweat, and tears, the prideful glory, and the lofty aspirations of humans in the face of nature and the universe. The strength and prosperity of a Central Highlands village are often measured by the communal house. There are no provincial or district-level communal houses, nor are there communal houses connecting villages because it is intimately tied to the activities and beliefs of a specific community of residents.
The bell tower.
The roof with the 'Double Dragons Flanking the Moon' pattern, a prominent motif in the architectural style of temples and communal houses in Vietnam. It symbolizes the ancestral roots of the Vietnamese people and serves as a deity, the guardian of water sources, bringing powerful vitality and ensuring bountiful harvests. Alongside are patterns of flying storks and rice field dancers blowing horns, representing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam in general, and the Central Highlands culture in particular.
The 'stork' pattern on the roof.
The motif of two rice field workers, typical of the communal houses in the Central Highlands.
View from the temple to Dambri waterfall.
From Di Da Pagoda, you can behold Dambri waterfall - the most majestic waterfall in Bao Loc city. Just ask the farmers working in the tea hills around here, they all know the way to a spot with a view of Dambri waterfall nestled in the pine forest near the temple.
Pine forest at Di Da Pagoda.
The renowned Dambri Waterfall of Bao Loc.
Dambri Waterfall is considered the largest waterfall in Lam Dong, standing at a height of 60 meters, forming two majestic cascades. From the pine forest at Di Da Pagoda, we can still hear the thundering sound of the waterfall and witness the water rushing down, creating a mystical veil of mist.Tam Hop Waterfall
After marveling at Dambri Waterfall, you can venture along the concrete path behind the pagoda to explore another pristine and enchanting waterfall, no less mystical than its 'sibling' before, called Tam Hop Waterfall. The path down to the waterfall is not hard to find, passing through a short stretch of stone steps, then crossing a dense primeval forest with towering ancient trees, where tree roots intertwine along the path. Continuing down the stairway, you'll reach the waterfall.
The pathway leading to the waterfall.
The stone steps descending to the waterfall.
Named Tam Hop because it features three large water streams cascading from a height of 70 meters. From the initial steps down to the waterfall, we could already hear the roaring sound of the waterfall echoing from deep within the lush forest. Exploring the waterfall during the rainy season and early morning mist creates a sense of the enchanting wonders of nature. Listening to the melodies of birds singing in the tree clusters, the rustling sound of the wind through the branches, and the rhythmic flow of water made us feel tranquil and indescribably light-hearted.
The flowing streams beneath Tam Hop Waterfall.
Gratitude to Di Da Pagoda - the largest and most distinctive pagoda in the misty city of Bao Loc, bringing tranquility and relaxation to our souls. If you ever visit Bao Loc, make sure to explore the renowned Di Da Pagoda!
Moreover, according to local sentiments, Bao Loc is the city with the most temperate climate, balancing the cold of Dalat and the heat of Saigon. In Bao Loc, you can witness the beauty of the sun chasing the morning mist and feel the charm of tea and coffee gardens hidden on the hillside.
Author: Vu Van Tuyen
*This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualified article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a Contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
