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It is known that Pho Quang Pagoda is a long-standing temple with significant contributions to the Buddhist culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Through renovation and construction efforts, Pho Quang Pagoda has increasingly attracted visitors from far and wide for worship and meditation.
1. About Pho Quang Pagoda
Where is Pho Quang Pagoda located?
Pho Quang Pagoda is situated at 64/3 Huynh Lan Khanh, Ward 2, Tan Binh District. It is located 16km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda opens its doors from 6:00 to 20:00 daily, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at any time.
For a long time, Pho Quang Pagoda has been a renowned spiritual destination for the people of Saigon. Visiting the pagoda provides tourists with the opportunity to learn more about its unique religious practices and the local community.
Pho Quang Pagoda is situated in Ward 2, Tan Binh District.
The History of Pho Quang Pagoda
In 1951, Pho Quang Pagoda was first built under the initiative of Nguyen Viet Tao. Despite its simple and traditional architecture at that time, the pagoda was situated within a small compound. However, from 1961 to 1999, Pho Quang Pagoda underwent severe degradation. It wasn't until 1999, under the management of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Executive Board, that the new pagoda underwent comprehensive renovation and expansion to achieve its present grandeur and serenity.
Architecture of Pho Quang Pagoda
After multiple renovations, the pagoda has been constructed in a modern direction. Nevertheless, inside the pagoda, it still maintains its ancient and solemn atmosphere, featuring massive columns adorned with intricate carvings inspired by the Ly dynasty era.
The pagoda's roof curves in the shape of a dragon and phoenix, resembling traditional Vietnamese temple architecture. The main hall consists of three stories with twelve distinct roofs, while a two-story small tower stands behind. Notably, the spacious pagoda compound is adorned with numerous green trees, creating a fresh and peaceful scenery for visitors. If you have the opportunity to visit Saigon for a day trip, you must visit Pho Quang Pagoda to explore its unique architectural charm.
After multiple renovations, Pho Quang Pagoda has been constructed in a modern style.
2. Getting to Pho Quang Pagoda
To reach Pho Quang Pagoda, visitors can use various transportation methods. Those with personal vehicles such as motorbikes or cars will find it convenient to travel to the pagoda. For travelers from other provinces or distant locations, options include airplanes, trains, cars, buses, and more.
Due to its central location, accessing the pagoda via public transportation is quite easy. You can take a bus following this route:
3. What do people pray for when visiting Pho Quang Pagoda in Saigon?
It is known that every destiny faces different adversities but meets at Pho Quang Pagoda. And the prayers here have various purposes, but mainly people come to Pho Quang Pagoda to pray for peace, health, and prosperity.
On major festival days at the pagoda such as Buddha's Birthday and Vu Lan Festival, Buddhists along with monks participate in serving vegetarian meals to visitors. Additionally, on the 1st and 15th days of each month, the crowd is also quite significant.
To reach Pho Quang Pagoda, you can use various means of transportation.
4. Exploring the Spiritual Beauty Inside Pho Quang Pagoda
Amidst the bustling urban life, Pho Quang Pagoda resembles a paradise. It is a place of tranquility, where both Buddhists and tourists seek peace and serenity for themselves.
The architecture of Pho Quang Pagoda is similar to other temples in Vietnam, including the Three Entrance Gate, Main Hall, Altar, Courtyard, Corridor, and Backyard.
Three Entrance Gate
Tam Quan, also known as the temple gate, is an indispensable part for tourists to reach Pho Quang Pagoda. The Tam Quan of Pho Quang Pagoda with its tiled roof bell tower creates the ancient charm of this place.
The temple gate, in the form of four pillars, stands tall on sturdy stone pedestals. Additionally, the gate wings are very large, and the door frames are made of durable metal, ensuring durability and solidity. The prominent gray color of the Tam Quan gate, along with large stone blocks nearby, adds to its sturdy appearance.
Pho Quang Pagoda is very sacred.
Temple Courtyard
As tourists step through the Tam Quan, they arrive at the temple courtyard. Here, Pho Quang Pagoda is adorned with ornamental plants and flowers.
Notably, Pho Quang Pagoda also cultivates a type of flower called Sala - a flower with a light fragrance that creates a pleasant and comfortable feeling for tourists. Many tourists say that the Sala tree is the embodiment of the Buddha. For those with affinity, standing under the Sala tree, they can feel the image of the Buddha emerging, sensing protection and peace.
Main Hall
Descending from the temple courtyard, tourists pass through stone steps to reach the main hall (forecourt). The stone steps are intricately carved with beautiful and delicate patterns.
The 7m-tall Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Pho Quang Pagoda
Main Hall
The Main Hall, also known as the Great Hall, is the largest area within Pho Quang Pagoda. Standing in the temple courtyard, we can see the temple roof adorned with images of dragons and phoenixes. Perhaps this is a characteristic feature of any temple or pagoda in Vietnam.
Looking up from below, we can see the three-story, 12-roofed main hall standing out amidst the lush greenery of the courtyard. In front of the main hall of Pho Quang Pagoda, an incense burner is always emitting thick smoke, indicating the large number of visitors.
Inside the main hall, the Buddha Shakyamuni along with Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and the Arhats are worshipped. In the center of the main hall stands the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, always smiling compassionately towards sentient beings. The golden Buddha statue is about 7 meters tall, exuding solemnity and reverence.
On both sides of the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni are ten wooden statues of the Ten Great Disciples, each about 0.64 meters tall. The worship objects inside the temple are all meticulously crafted porcelain, displaying exquisite craftsmanship. On the left side of the main hall is a statue of Quan Yin seated on a lotus pedestal exuding an ethereal aura.
The two sides of the main hall are divided into functional areas such as the East Wing, West Wing, residence area for the monks, and traditional houses. There is also a reception room to welcome visitors who come from afar to pay their respects. However, due to ongoing renovations at Pho Quang Pagoda, access to the main hall is currently restricted.
Pho Quang Pagoda is a revered destination for Buddhist worship.
Cave of Stone – the shrine of Bodhisattva Quan Yin
Pho Quang Pagoda boasts a vast courtyard. Notably, within the temple grounds lies a cave – this is where Bodhisattva Quan Yin is worshipped.
Due to its location within the cave, the atmosphere here is remarkably cool and refreshing, seemingly washing away any worries for visitors. The cave not only exudes an ancient and unique charm but also carries the solemnity of the temple.
Visitors to Pho Quang Pagoda are likely to be impressed by the intricately carved dragon statues, which contribute to the sacred atmosphere and beauty of the cave.
Upon entering the cave, one will encounter the statue of Bodhisattva Quan Yin seated on a golden lotus pedestal. Behind the statue are depictions of bamboo and the image of Thiện Tài Đồng tử always by the side of Bodhisattva Quan Yin.
The statue of Bodhisattva Quan Yin symbolizes compassion, kindness, and always shines to protect sentient beings. Bestowing blessings, Bodhisattva illuminates all things, bringing peace to humanity.
In addition, within Pho Quang Pagoda, there is a tomb of a martyr – student Quach Thi Trang, also known as Dieu Nghiem. Since childhood, she has been a member of the Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association, the Holy Martyrs of Vietnamese Buddhism,... Visitors often describe this tomb as sacred.
Stone Cave of Pho Quang Pagoda
5. Regular Activities at Pho Quang Pagoda
Every year, Pho Quang Pagoda organizes numerous activities attracting Buddhists from near and far. Some major events include:
Vesak Day is one of the important festivals at Pho Quang Pagoda. This grand ceremony commemorates the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni. Typically, Vesak Day features various welcoming artistic programs, mass gatherings, float processions, etc. On Vesak Day, the Pagoda Abbot encourages Buddhists to hang flags and lanterns,...
Vesak Day begins at 7:00 PM on the 8th of April lunar calendar, marking the initiation of the ceremony. On the 14th of April lunar calendar, Pho Quang Pagoda performs the traditional Buddha Bathing Ceremony. Following that is the official celebration of Vesak Day at 5:00 AM on the 15th of April lunar calendar. Vesak Day also includes activities such as releasing living beings, praying for peace in the country, and wishing people a prosperous life.
Vesak Celebration at Pho Quang Pagoda
The Ullambana Festival is a major occasion for children and grandchildren to express gratitude to their parents and ancestors for their nurturing and sacrifices. It is also a time to extend appreciation from those who enjoy peaceful lives to the soldiers who sacrificed for national independence.
Every year, the grand festival takes place in a solemn atmosphere, filled with gratitude from Buddhists. This is also one of the days that attracts thousands of tourists and Buddhists to participate.
During major festivals at Pho Quang Pagoda, Buddhists along with the monks participate in preparing and offering vegetarian meals to visitors. Additionally, on the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, Pho Quang Pagoda sees a large number of people coming to pay respects, pray for peace, and prosperity.
6. Veneration at Pho Quang Pagoda
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
I humbly bow to the nine realms of Heaven, the ten directions of Buddhas, and the ten directions of Buddhas.
Today is the day...... month...... year….
I, the disciple, residing at………………………
Together with my entire family, sincerely bow before the Great Venerable Hall, at…….. Pagoda, offering this incense, expressing deep respect:
Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, Lord Buddha Amitabha, the ten directions of Buddhas, the sublime Dharma of Buddhas, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, and the Holy Monastic.
We, the disciples, have lived through many lifetimes, burdened by heavy karma, delusions, and mistakes.
Today, standing before the Buddha's altar, we repent sincerely, vow not to commit evil deeds, aspire to perform virtuous deeds, express gratitude to Lord Buddha, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the Holy Monastic, Angelic Beings, and all compassionate guardians. May we and our family be free from mental afflictions, physical illnesses, and daily engage in virtuous actions according to the Buddha's teachings, leading to the smooth rotation of fortune, forever nurturing the grace of the Buddha's teachings.
May this be for the salvation of parents, elders, siblings, relatives, and all beings, guiding them to the path of Buddhism.
With a sincere heart, I humbly pray and bow, seeking confirmation and guidance.
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
7. Essential Guidelines for Visiting Pho Quang Pagoda
To ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage and visit, consider the following guidelines:
Dress Appropriately When Visiting Pho Quang Pagoda
Pho Quang Pagoda is a renowned temple in Saigon. It is a place to seek serenity and peace in life. With its ancient architecture and profound spiritual values, Pho Quang Pagoda has attracted many visitors for sightseeing and worship. The above are the summarized information about Pho Quang Pagoda. We hope this information will be helpful for you to understand more about this temple!
Posted by: Le Thien Quoc
Keywords: Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Pho Quang Pagoda
