Buzz
Nestled in Phan Thiết, the Tà Cú Mountain tourist area beckons with captivating experiences, from entertaining activities to daily Buddhist rituals. Atop Tà Cú Mountain, the revered Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda draws devoted Buddhists and visitors for daily pilgrimages.
Tà Cú Mountain Tourist Area in Bình Thuận (photo by ST)
1. Introduction to Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda
Tà Cú Mountain, standing at 649m, graces the side of National Highway 1A in Tan Lap commune, Ham Thuan Nam district, approximately 28km from Phan Thiet. The mountain hosts the Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda complex, consisting of the Upper Temple, also known as Linh Son Truong Tho, and the Lower Temple, also referred to as Long Doan.
Designed with modern architectural flair below (photo by ST)
Perched on the slopes of Tà Cú Mountain at an altitude of 400m, Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda comprises the Upper Temple, built in 1879 after the passing of Master Huu Duc, and the Lower Temple, established earlier with a makeshift Buddhist worship space.
Group of statues depicting the Three Jewels (photo by ST)
The Mountain Pagoda is constructed in a place surrounded by lush greenery, flowing streams, and playful birds, under the guidance of monk Tran Huu Duc.
Buddha statue in the reclining Thich Ca Mau Ni pose (photo by ST)
Ascending from the mountain base through hundreds of three-level steps along winding paths amidst ancient forests leads to the pagoda. The air here is pure and cool year-round, with an average temperature ranging from 18 – 22 degrees Celsius. Moisture emanates from the rocky mountain, creating an alluring cool atmosphere during the summer. The majestic and poetic scenery of the mountainous forest enhances the renown of the Mountain Pagoda.
Path to Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda (photo by ST)
Cable Car Ticket to Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda (photo by ST)
2. History of Tà Cú Mountain Pagoda
In 1872, monk Tran Huu Duc – Dharma name Thong An, traversed mountains and crossed forests alone from Central Vietnam to reach the serene sanctuary of Tà Cú Mountain for meditation. Seven years later, those exploring the forest stumbled upon the stone cave where the monk practiced, contributing to the construction of the pagoda.
Statue of Master Tran Huu Duc (photo by ST)
The venerable monk, also a skilled healer, emerged in 1880. When Queen Từ Dũ fell seriously ill, the monk miraculously cured her, earning admiration from King Tự Đức, who bestowed upon the monk the honorary title 'Linh Sơn Trường Thọ.' The monk dedicated 16 years to both spiritual practice and providing medical care to the people before peacefully passing away. Since then, the temple observes the anniversary of the monk's passing on the 5th of October every year.
A majestic and unique structure on Mount Tà Cú (photo ST)
3. The beauty of Tà Cú Mountain Temple
The architectural marvel of Núi Temple follows the Northern Sect style, maintaining its ancient charm with curved tile roofs and twin dragons adorned with the patina of time.
The refreshing atmosphere at Tà Cú Mountain Temple (photo ST)
The overall Linh Sơn Trường Thọ site is inseparable from the later constructions of Buddha statues, tomb towers, ancestral shrines, and precious ponds.
The cable car route to the summit of Tà Cú Mountain (photo ST)
A monumental and unique structure is the reclining statue of Buddha Thích Ca Mâu Ni, measuring 49m in length and 11m in height. Positioned leaning against the mountain, with head resting on hand, this statue was built from 1962 and took nearly 4 years to complete.
The natural environment atop Tà Cú Mountain (photo ST)
About 50m from the reclining Buddha statue stands a group of Three Buddhas: Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta, each statue towering at approximately 7m in height.
A multitude of tourists flock to explore Tà Cú Mountain Temple (photo ST)
At the base of the reclining Buddha statue, amidst a field of scattered rocks, grows a variety of medicinal plants such as five-leaf ginseng and stone bananas. There's a narrow cave entrance, leading to a flat rock where the Meditation Master's seat is now a revered shrine.
Stone statues on Tà Cú Mountain (photo ST)
Upper Temple
The Upper Temple, centrally located, is divided into three sections: the main hall dedicated to Buddha worship, the left side houses the monk's residence, and the right side is devoted to the worship of Ancestor Hữu Đức. Ascending over a hundred stone steps covered in moss, leading from the triple gate to the ancestral temple, emphasizes its dignified position. The temple roof embellishes the expansive, azure sky, showcasing the distinctive Buddhist architectural style of the Nguyen era.
Statues depicting the 12 zodiac animals (photo ST)
Lower Temple
The Lower Temple, situated on the eastern slope of the ancestral temple, boasts a modern architectural style with tower-shaped roofs and harmonious yin-yang tile patterns. The main hall, with its imposing stone walls, stands majestically amidst a spacious area adorned with perennial fruit trees, creating a naturally balanced ecological greenery that blends seamlessly with the mountainous landscape. Within the temple grounds, there are ancestral tomb towers and the hallowed tombs of past masters, alongside a cluster of tombs for white tigers, a burial practice of the temple.
The worship area inside the temple (photo ST)
Pilgrims visiting Tà Cú Mountain Temple come not only to devoutly worship the Buddha and pay respects to the ancestors but also to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural scenery, finding tranquility and peace in their hearts.
Monkeys residing near the temple (photo ST)
4. Accommodation near Tà Cú Mountain Temple
If you prefer not to carry cumbersome luggage, you can rent beautiful, budget-friendly guesthouses, hotels, and resorts near Tà Cú Mountain for a comfortable stay. Below is a list of enticing options for you to consider.
- Lara Homestay in Phan Thiết
Address: Hamlet 1, Gò Đình area, Thanh Phong village, Tân Thuận commune, Hàm Thuận Nam, Bình Thuận
- Lazi Beach Resort
Address: Lý Thái Tổ Street, Tân Tiến, Lagi, Bình Thuận
- Veranda Beach & Resort
Address: Tiến Thành, Phan Thiết
- Garden Guest House
Address: 2 Huỳnh Thúc Kháng Street, Hàm Tiến, Mũi Né, Phan Thiết
- Kim Sang Guesthouse
Address: 41 – 45 Thống Nhất, Lagi, Bình Thuận
Tranquil Tà Cú Mountain Temple (photo ST)
Source: https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/khu-du-lich-nui-ta-cu-54386
