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Pho Quang Pagoda is located approximately 16 km southeast of the central Ho Chi Minh City. This renowned temple, with a rich history, attracts many Saigon residents during festivals and celebrations. The construction of Pho Quang Pagoda began in 1952 with a relatively simple design, and through several renovations, it has evolved into the magnificent structure we see today.
The pagoda boasts an impressive appearance – a tourist destination near Saigon (Photo: ST)
Pho Quang Pagoda in Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City
Temple Address: 64/3 Huynh Lan Khanh Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact: 08.8441987.
Opening Hours: From 6:00 am – 8:00 pm daily, the temple welcomes visitors and holds ceremonies.
Pho Quang Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City follows the Northern Buddhist tradition. The fundamental difference between the Northern and Southern Buddhist traditions lies in the objects of worship. The Southern tradition worships only Buddha Sakyamuni and Arhats, while the Northern tradition, in addition to these, also venerates other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Northern Buddhism, also known as Greater Vehicle tradition (Image: ST)
The reason for this difference is that the Northern tradition has a more developed view of Buddha. Buddha is not just Sakyamuni, a specific incarnation from India. Buddha is incarnate in all things, all forms in the world to be able to help humans, not just existing at a time when Sakyamuni attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It is this belief that the number of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas worshiped at Pho Quang Pagoda is quite diverse, representing many forms that the Buddha once took when among humans.
Buddha Sakyamuni is worshiped in both Northern and Southern Buddhism traditions (Image: ST)
Architecture of Pho Quang Pagoda Tan Binh
Reconstructed in a modern style, many structures are designed with durable modern materials replacing traditional ones. The main hall is tall and magnificent, built on a solid stone foundation. Overview of the main hall is 3 floors with 12 roofs, and behind it is a small 2-story tower. The path to the main hall is led by two stone staircases on both sides. The staircases are carved with exquisite and vivid floral patterns. Buddhist flags decorate the entire temple yard, hanging from the top down, creating a dazzling space with the colors of the spectrum.
Many structures are designed with modern materials (Image: ST)
The main hall is located high and majestic (Image: ST)
What does Pho Quang Pagoda in Tan Binh District have?
Inside the shrine, statues of Buddha Thich Ca, Buddha Quan The Am, and various other Buddhas are displayed in different forms. At the center of the hall stands a 7-meter-tall statue of Buddha Thich Ca, adorned with gold, each line exuding a gentle yet majestic demeanor. On either side, wooden statues of the Ten Kings and elaborate worship items are showcased.
The golden statue of Buddha emanates a dignified and serene aura (Photo: ST)
Worshipping Buddha Quan The Am Bodhisattva (Photo: ST)
In addition to the main hall, there are East and West towers, a reception room, a traditional house, and residences for the monks inside. The spacious 6000-square-meter courtyard, adorned with lush greenery, provides a refreshing atmosphere combined with the serene surroundings at the Buddha's gate, offering a sense of tranquility and ease to visitors.
Refreshing greenery in the spacious courtyard (Photo: ST)
The pure fragrance of Lotus, akin to the Buddha's heart (Photo: ST)
Spring scenery in the temple courtyard (Photo: ST)
Overall, the architectural features of Pho Quang Pagoda still embody a blend of inheritance and fusion with the traditional temple architecture found in the North. Despite the multi-tiered roof, it gracefully curves upward, reminiscent of a raised sword pointing towards the sky, topped with traditional scale-patterned tiles. While not solely constructed from wood, the sturdy inner columns support the structure, including rafters, beams, and the roof frame, resembling the architectural style of Northern temples.
Graceful tiled pagoda roof shaped like a raised sword (Photo: ST)
Architectural carvings on the pillar body, altar, and canopy are minimal, replaced by floral motifs adorning the walls and door panels. The lighting system is ample, catering to daily worship and enhancing the space with a more vibrant and dignified color palette.
Interior architecture of the temple (Photo: ST)
Pho Quang Pagoda is the venue for exemplary religious activities such as the 15th of the first lunar month celebration, Buddha's birthday on the 15th of the fourth lunar month, Ullambana Festival on the 15th of the seventh lunar month, commemoration of Master Dat Ma on the 5th of the tenth lunar month, and the 15th of the tenth lunar month ritual. Particularly on Full Moon and the First day of the lunar month, the temple attracts a considerable number of visitors for worship.
Devoutly paying homage to the venerable Buddha (Photo: ST)
Local residents attending the temple ceremony (Photo: ST)
Dignified celebration on Buddha's Birthday (Photo: ST)
Monks and devotees performing rituals at the main hall (Photo: ST)
The founder of the temple was the late Venerable Thich Viet Tao, and through various changes and successive generations of abbots, the temple is currently under the jurisdiction of the Executive Board of the Buddhist Church in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hopefully, this article has provided valuable information about Pho Quang Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many other renowned temples here that are equally appealing for those seeking serene spaces. Wishing you find tranquility in your soul when visiting the gates of Buddha.
