Buzz
Traveling to Hà Tiên, aside from exploring and visiting famous tourist destinations, travelers should not overlook the opportunity to visit the temples here. Although small and unremarkable, the temples in Hà Tiên are renowned for their sacredness. Particularly noteworthy is Tam Bảo Pagoda in Hà Tiên - one of the 10 beautiful scenes praised by Mạc Thiên Tứ in the famous poem 'Divine Unity at Tiêu Pagoda'
Tam Bảo Pagoda in Hà Tiên (Image: ST)
1. Introduction to Tam Bảo Pagoda
Chùa Tam Bảo, also known as the Tiêu Pagoda, stands at 75 Phương Thành, Bình San Ward, Hà Tiên Town, Kiên Giang Province. Bestowed with an imperial decree by the Nguyễn dynasty, it's also referred to as the Sắc Tứ Tam Bảo Tự, boasting a spacious campus spanning approximately 2.5 hectares, with its facade facing eastward.
A glimpse of the temple's courtyard (Image: ST)
2. The History of Tam Bảo Pagoda
According to the genealogy book 'Mạc Thị Gia Phả,' after the establishment of the Thanh dynasty in China, a loyal official to the Ming dynasty, Mạc Cửu, departed from his homeland and journeyed to Southeast Asia.
The temple, commissioned by Commander Mạc Cửu in 1730, served as a sanctuary for his mother's spiritual practice in her final years. After years of meditation, Lady Thái Thái attained enlightenment before the Buddhist Altar. Mạc Cửu had a golden statue cast in her likeness for worship, along with a Great Bell for offerings, listening to its tolls in fond remembrance of his dear mother.
In 1735, Mạc Cửu passed away, succeeded by his son Mạc Thiên Tứ as the Commander-in-Chief of the Military. It was he who extolled the beauty of Tam Bảo Pagoda in Hà Tiên through the poem 'Divine Unity at Tiêu Pagoda,' part of the Ten Verses of Hà Tiên.
The temple is also known as the Sắc Tứ Tam Bảo Tự (Image: ST)
The inaugural abbot of Tam Bảo Pagoda was Venerable Ấn Hạ, also the pioneering abbot who established Buddhism in the Hà Tiên region.
The temple's 300-year-old wall (Image: ST)
To date, Tam Bảo Pagoda has been overseen by 19 abbots, esteemed monks such as Venerable Hoà Quang, Zen Master Nhất Đới, Zen Master Trí Tàng, Zen Master Hoằng Ân, Zen Master Hải Huệ, Zen Master Giác Ngạn, Zen Master Như Đức, Zen Master Như Khả, Zen Master Phước Chơn, Venerable Thuần Hạnh, Yama Phước Thành, Venerable Phước Ân (1920 – 1946), Venerable Phước Quang, Venerable Quảng Đức, Venerable Vĩnh Đạt, Venerable Chánh Định, Superior Monk Thiện Giác (1960 – 1974), and from 1974 to present, the abbess Thích Nữ Như Hải.
A corner of Tam Bảo Pagoda (Image: ST)
3. Architectural Marvels of Tam Bảo Pagoda
Since its establishment, Tam Bảo Pagoda has undergone several renovations due to the deterioration of the ancient structure, leaving only traces on its walls. The two most significant renovations occurred during the tenure of Venerable Phước Ân (1920 – 1946) and during the abbacy of abbess Như Hải from 1974 onwards.
The pagoda attracts numerous pilgrims (Image: ST)
The first major renovation took place in 1930, overseen by Venerable Phước Ân, who rebuilt Tam Bảo Pagoda into its present majestic form and planted several Bodhi trees, which have since grown into ancient specimens.
The statue of Quan Âm within the pagoda (Image: ST)
On her second tenure as the abbess of Tam Bảo Pagoda, nun Như Hải commenced the construction and renovation of several structures.
Famous Hà Tiên temple (Image: ST)
While today's temple may have deviated from its original architectural style, it still exudes the serene and tranquil ambiance of a spiritual retreat. Surrounding the temple are scattered remnants of old walls, weathered yet sturdy.
The serene and peaceful atmosphere inside the temple (Image: ST)
After the passing of Lady Thái Thái, Mạc Cửu commissioned a bronze statue of her for worship. He also had a 2.4-meter bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, including its pedestal, cast, along with a large communal bell for the temple. Each night, as the temple bell resonated, the Commander-in-Chief would sit in remembrance of his mother.
The tombs within the temple grounds (Image: ST)
The Buddha Hall is adorned with solemnity, with the highest position reserved for the Amitabha Triad, commissioned by Mạc Cửu. Flanking the central altar are statues of Bodhisattva Quan Yin and Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta.
The enchanting beauty of Hà Tiên's Tam Bảo Pagoda (Image: ST)
Next to it, there are statues of the Buddha Thich Ca attaining enlightenment, the Buddha Thich Ca preaching, the Buddha Thich Ca being born, and the Buddha entering Nirvana.
Sacred place of Tam Bao Pagoda (Image: ST)
Facing the Buddha altar, there are altars dedicated to the Bodhisattvas Pho Hien, Ho Phap, Dia Tang, and Tieu Dien. In front of the temple courtyard, there is a room for distributing scriptures, featuring diverse and rich Buddhist paintings and statues.
The pilgrimage site for Buddhist offerings by tourists (Image: ST)
In front of the temple gate, there are also couplets written in Chinese characters. Tam Bao Pagoda is a famous ancient temple in the scenic landscapes of Ha Tien. It warmly welcomes tens of thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims for visits and worship every year.
Beauty of Tam Bao Pagoda (Photo: ST)
4. Accommodation in Ha Tien
If tourists want to stay overnight in Ha Tien, they can refer to the following list of hotels and guesthouses with good quality
- Du Hung 2 Hotel
Address: 83 Tran Hau, Binh San Ward, Ha Tien, Kien Giang
- Hai Van Hotel
Address: 55 Lam Son, Binh San Ward, Ha Tien, Kien Giang
- Nai Cape Hotel
Address: Nai Cape Tourist Area, Ha Tien, Kien Giang
- Kim Du Hotel
Address: 14 Phuong Thanh, Ha Tien, Kien Giang
