Buzz
In contrast to the vibrant and youthful city of Saigon and the ancient cultural capital of Hanoi, Tây Ninh emerges as a borderland with Cambodia. Known for its numerous renowned religious structures, it is a sacred and tranquil land.
In Tây Ninh, Black Lady Mountain is a captivating destination for Tây Ninh tourists. But for us, Tây Ninh is more than just Bà Đen Mountain. This journey unfolds as a spiritual exploration, revealing unique religious architectural wonders and immersing in the cultural narrative that shapes life in this region. Let's marvel at the beauty of the century-old temple in our homeland!
A bird's-eye view towards the direction of Thiền Lâm Ancient Pagoda
The overall landscape of Thiền Lâm Temple grounds
The path leading to the temple winds through vast expanses of lush rice fields
Thiền Lâm Ancient Pagoda is situated in Long Thành Trung, Hòa Thành, Tây Ninh. Approximately 6km from the city center of Tây Ninh, along National Highway 22b. As you travel from Tây Ninh to Saigon, pay attention to the right side, where you'll spot a large gate with the temple's name in Han characters. Turn inside the welcoming gate and travel a short distance of about 250m to reach the temple.
View of the Thiền Lâm Temple gate from the inside
A newfound friend enhanced our journey by discovering even more stunning angles for our photos
Built on a plot of land spanning nearly 6,000m2, surrounded by vast and lush rice fields, this space exudes tranquility. A serene ancient temple houses the largest statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Southeastern region. Gò Kén Temple in Tây Ninh is a haven for many travelers and Buddhist followers seeking peaceful and serene corners.
Gò Kén Temple is particularly famous for its numerous giant Buddha statues, attracting many visitors. A notable highlight is the over 30m high statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva situated amidst a lotus pond, also the tallest Quan Âm Buddha statue in the Southeastern region.
The majestic statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara on a dragon throne
Entrance into the sacred space surrounding the Goddess Quan Âm Buddha statue
History
Thiền Lâm Temple, commonly known as Gò Kén Temple among the locals in my hometown, is one of the earliest-built temples with a history spanning over a century in Tây Ninh. In 1904,
Initiated by Venerable Thích Trí Lượng, the head monk of Gò Kén Temple, the construction of this Thiền Lâm ancient pagoda began. At that time, the temple was built using rudimentary materials such as bamboo and thatch.
Elevated on higher terrain, surrounded by numerous ken vines, climbing plants with sweet and tangy red fruits, characteristic of the region in ancient times. Although this plant has gradually disappeared over time, the familiar name 'Gò Kén Temple' persists among the local people whenever the ancient pagoda is mentioned.
In 1925, Venerable Thích Từ Phong and the Buddhist followers undertook the restoration and enhancement of the temple. Due to war-induced damages and natural wear, Gò Kén Temple underwent its second renovation in 1970.
In July 2007, Venerable Thích Thiện Nghĩa was appointed as the head monk of the temple. Together with devout Buddhists, he contributed to the construction and renovation of the temple, transforming it into a prominent tourist attraction in Tây Ninh. Simultaneously, various structures like the Buddhist lecture hall were perfected, aiming to establish Gò Kén Temple as the Buddhist center of Tây Ninh.
Architectural Marvel
Standing as the oldest existence on this sacred land bordering Vietnam, Gò Kén Temple represents a fusion of two cultural realms—East and West, ancient and modern.
Cultural Architectural Synthesis
A Blend of Antiquity and Modernity
Under Construction: 9-story Xá Lợi Pagoda
Scenic Pond beneath the Bồ Tát Dragon Throne Statue
Replica of Lâm Tỳ Ni Garden
Besides, the ancient pagoda serves as a space preserving numerous religious treasures, including a 25m tall Nirvana-entering Buddha statue, Thích Ca Mâu Ni meditating under the Bodhi tree, the 9-story Xá Lợi Pagoda, a replica of the Lâm Tỳ Ni Garden, and a hall dedicated to Buddha Di Lặc (Laughing Buddha), among others.
Lâm Tỳ Ni Garden
Perspective of Lâm Tỳ Ni Garden
A vigilant cat guards the garden, stretching as it observes the pilgrims visiting the ancient pagoda
25m tall Nirvana-entering Buddha statue
Distinctive Festivals
This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month at Gò Kén Temple, attracting people to visit and pray for peace in their families. Beneath the glittering lights, each soul places their wishes into the lanterns, seeking tranquility, joy, and health for their families, under the belief in the Buddha.
During the Quan Thế Âm festival, the temple space transforms into a shimmering, enchanting spectacle. Gathering numerous small radiant spots from colorful lanterns, the water surface becomes adorned with layers of mystical lights.
A time for charitable activities organized by the temple to support various difficult circumstances, such as building schools, conducting medical check-ups, and providing free medicine to the local residents. It also attracts the participation of many benevolent hearts to Tây Ninh, engaging in meaningful community activities. Illuminating floating lanterns concurrently honors the spiritual values within the local religious culture.
If you have the opportunity to visit Tây Ninh and the century-old temple on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, you'll have the chance to enjoy a free vegetarian buffet with delicious dishes such as savory foods, fruits, pastries, sweets, and more.
Note:
A Buddhist land with numerous charitable activities, creating blessings and instilling faith in the lives of local residents. Gò Kén Temple is a place that attracts many souls seeking the beauty of tranquility. It offers a space to admire various colossal Buddha statues. An unmissable destination on the spiritual journey in Tây Ninh.
If your schedule exploring Bà Đen Mountain has some gaps, try filling it by visiting this century-old ancient temple!
Author: Hạnh Cao
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, within the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each eligible article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Mytour Contributor. Detailed information about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
