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Ta Cu Mountain hosts the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, home to the longest reclining Buddha statue in Asia, making it an unmissable destination for Phan Thiet tourists in the central sun-soaked land!
Discover the Wonders of Phan Thiet – Traverse the Majestic Ta Cu Mountain
Ta Cu Mountain stands at an elevation of 649m above sea level. To reach the mountain temple, visitors can use the cable car or opt for a scenic mountain hike. Both at the foot of the mountain and on the cable car, there are dining services available for tourists. In just 8 minutes by cable car, visitors can reach the mountain's summit.
During the cable car ride, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley below and the pristine forest with towering trees. Inhaling the fresh air of the natural mountain forest adds a unique touch to the Phan Thiet travel experience.
From the cable car station, following a trail for about 300m, you'll find two adjacent temples. Among them, the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda appears first on the mountain, intricately linked with the legendary story of the venerable Hoa Thuong Huu Duc attaining enlightenment.
In the past, Linh Son Truong Tho was just a humble leafy temple. Later, to commemorate the merits of the venerable monk, a grand and splendid temple was constructed. The temple roof is elegantly designed, with beautiful multiple floors, exuding an ancient and dignified appearance.
Ta Cu Mountain and Linh Son Truong Tho Temple are shrouded in numerous legends and intriguing stories. The venerable monk, Zen master Huu Duc, was born into a Confucian family in Phu Yen. From a young age, he was cherished by his parents and excelled in his studies. At the age of 17, he decided to follow the fishermen to the Phan Thiet area and chose Buu Lam Temple as his place of devotion.
Bearing the Dharma name Hai An, the Zen master became the 40th generation heir to the Leu Quan Zen school, a tradition deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy to this day.
After the abbot of Buu Lam Temple passed away, Zen master Hai An embarked on a journey across the lands to seek out revered monks for continued spiritual practice. Subsequently, he found his way to Ta Cu Mountain, choosing a cave for meditation. He sustained himself with underground water, ate wild vegetables when hungry, and vowed not to descend the mountain until he found the ultimate truth.
During his time on the mountain, he healed many local residents. His reputation for healing spread far and wide, attracting more Buddhists seeking healing. Consequently, Zen master Huu Duc erected a hermitage for those seeking refuge.
After successfully curing Queen Tu Du, King Tu Duc bestowed the title Linh Son Truong Tho on the hermitage and conferred the honorific title of Venerable Great Elder on Huu Duc. Since then, this place has always been a sought-after destination for both local and out-of-province visitors when traveling to Phan Thiet or seeking spiritual journeys.
Statue of Buddha Shakyamuni
In 2013, the statue set an Asian record as the longest reclining Buddha statue atop a mountain. Construction commenced in 1962 and was completed in 1966, overseen by one of the top 10 architects in Vietnam at that time, Mr. Truong Dinh Y. He dedicatedly wore blue robes and practiced meditation at the temple during the statue's construction.
Upon completion, the magnificence of the statue left everyone in awe. Below the statue lie split rock formations, with the reclining Buddha leaning against the mountain, head resting on his hand, displaying grace, solemnity, and a harmonious blend with the mountainous environment. The 49-meter-long Buddha statue symbolizes the 49 days and nights of the Buddha's meditation under the Bodhi tree until attaining enlightenment.
Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda bears the mark of a Venerable Great Elder devoted to the path of enlightenment throughout his life. Hence, you cannot overlook this location during your Phan Thiet travel to delve into the fascinating world of Buddhism. Contact Mytour early to seize enticing offers on the Phan Thiet tour that await you!
By Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide on Mytour
MytourAugust 3, 2022
