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Temples are no longer distant for every Vietnamese. But do you know about the Buddhist teachings and the headquarters of the Vietnamese Buddhist Church? Join us in exploring this renowned pagoda.
Discover Ấn Quang Pagoda in District 10
Ấn Quang Pagoda, also known as the Ancestral Temple Ấn Quang, is located at 243 Sư Vạn Hạnh Street, Ward 9, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1948, for over 50 years, Venerable Thích Thiện Hòa has been nurturing the temple, towers, and guiding the followers. Though not an ancient temple, it plays a crucial role in the Vietnamese Buddhist Church, witnessing significant events in the ups and downs of the development of Buddhism in Vietnam.
History of Ấn Quang Pagoda in Saigon
In 1948, the pagoda was founded by Venerable Thích Trí Hữu from Linh Ứng Pagoda, Đà Nẵng. Initially, it was a small thatched Buddha shrine named Ứng Quang Tự. Later, he initiated scripture classes for young monks, transforming Ứng Quang Pagoda into a small Buddhist educational center.
Archival Photos of the Past at Ấn Quang Pagoda
In 1950, after studying abroad, Venerable Thích Thiện Hòa was entrusted with managing Ứng Quang Pagoda. He constructed the main hall in the style of Từ Đàm Pagoda in Huế.
Image of Venerable Thích Thiện Hòa
From then on, for over half a century, he dedicated his heart and merit to elevate the temple and establish a Buddhist school for education and propagation.
Classes at Ấn Quang Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Photo from a ceremony at the pagoda
Architecture of Ấn Quang Pagoda
The pagoda serves as the main center for Buddhist education. It expanded with the construction of the ancestral house floors (1955), reconstruction of the lecture hall floors (1959), and the revered Main Hall (1966). Over the years, the pagoda added the Golden Lotus Printing House, Bồ Đề incense workshop, library, and the Hương Đạo publishing and distribution house.
The architectural design of the pagoda was executed according to the plans of architect Nguyễn Hữu Thiện. The Buddha Hall is adorned with solemn decorations.
Image of a floral decoration on the pagoda roof
In the center stands the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni (crafted by the Buddhist disciple Minh Dung) and the Xá Lợi Pagoda. Behind, the altar honors the statues of the Protectors of the Dharma on each side. The pagoda showcases a wooden statue of the Patriarch Bodhidharma and lacquer paintings of Quan Âm, Văn Thù, and Phổ Hiền created by the artist Trương Văn Thanh (known as Venerable Minh Tinh). Venerable Trương Đình Ý, a professor at the School of Applied Fine Arts in Gia Định, has taken care of the architectural, sculptural, and decorative aspects of the pagoda.
Statue of Bodhisattva Di Lặc
Altar of Bodhisattva Chuẩn Đề
Altar of Bodhisattva Quán Thế Âm
The Great Canon Cabinet
Significance of the Temple
The temple serves as the Buddhist School of the Vietnamese Buddhist Church in the Southern region.
The temple serves as the Buddhist School of the Vietnamese Buddhist Church
As the headquarters of the Buddhist School in South Vietnam, the Elderly Monks Association, and the Executive Board of the Buddhist Association of Ho Chi Minh City under the Vietnamese Buddhist Church.
In front of the Buddha's Birthday altar at Ấn Quang Pagoda
It is also one of the three locations for mobilizing and receiving funds, goods, and items to aid compatriots facing difficulties, storms, and natural disasters, both domestically and internationally, for early recovery and stability in life.
Every year, the pagoda welcomes a large number of Buddhists and visitors from various places for activities, sightseeing, and regular Buddhist ceremonies.
