Buzz
Ha Tien, renowned for its tourist attractions, offers not only scenic spots and recreational activities but also spiritual sanctuaries for pilgrims. Among these is Phu Dung Temple, captivating visitors not only with its ancient beauty harmonizing with nature but also with mysterious tales sparking debates about its lineage.
Spiritual Tourism Area in Ha Tien (Photo: ST)
Introduction to the Temple
Chùa Phù Dung, also known as Phu Cu Pagoda, sits at the foot of Binh San Mountain, in Binh San Ward, Ha Tien Town, Kien Giang Province. It is a renowned ancient temple and a famous pilgrimage site in Ha Tien.
Phu Dung Pagoda in Ha Tien (Photo by ST)
From Ha Tien market, following the road towards Thach Dong, about half a kilometer, looking to the left, there is a small hermitage perched on the hillside. Based on the name 'hermitage', it is very likely that this monastery was initially just a small hermitage.
The surroundings of the pagoda (Photo by ST)
Nestled in the serene land of Hà Tiên, Chùa Phù Dung stands as a timeless monument, adorning the tranquil landscapes with its majestic presence. It not only embellishes the rugged terrains with its ancient grandeur but also captivates travelers with the enchanting love story of General Trần Hưng Đạo and Lady Ái Cơ.
The renowned Phù Dung Temple in Hà Tiên (Image: ST)
A Brief History of Chùa Phù Dung
Chùa Phù Dung is steeped in the legend of the revered inhabitant of its ancient tomb, known as Lady Phù Dung or affectionately referred to as Lady Dì Tự, the first female abbess to preside over the temple.
According to the historical book Chronicles of Temples in Kiên Giang, the temple was initially constructed in 1750 by the Governor of Hà Tiên, Mạc Thiên Tích, for his second wife, Mrs. Thứ Cơ, as a place for spiritual practice. Her given name was Nguyễn Thị Xuân, and she resided there until her passing in 1761.
Interior of Phù Dung Temple in Hà Tiên (Photo: ST)
By 1771, the temple had suffered severe damage due to warfare, with only the Ngọc Hoàng Bửu Palace remaining intact. At that time, the temple had no abbot.
In 1846, Venerable Thích Bửu Châu arrived from China to practice Buddhism in the Hà Tiên region. Local Buddhists invited him to serve as the abbot of the modest temple, and he passed away there in 1869.
Commemoration ceremony of nun Phu Dung (photo ST)
Venerable Dieu Ly – of the Lam Te Gia Pho lineage, lived from 1839 to 1892 under the guidance of Most Venerable Thich Nhat Thua, the abbot of Tay An Temple, Chau Doc. After Venerable Thich Dieu Ly passed away, the temple was left without an abbot.
In 1910, Most Venerable Thich Hoang Dao – a disciple of Most Venerable Thich Nhat Thua, was appointed as the new abbot. He initiated the reconstruction of the temple, renaming it Phu Dung Temple. The construction was completed in 1939, coinciding with his 70th year as abbot, after which he passed away.
Altar inside the temple (photo ST)
The next abbot was Venerable Thich Thien Quang - a patriotic monk and a renowned physician in the region. He passed away in 1951.
Venerable Thich Phuoc Quang continued as the abbot until 1964 when he passed away at the temple. Over the next 11 years, several others took over as abbots, but none lasted long.
In 1975, Venerable Thich Nhat Quang took over as the abbot of the temple until today. The Venerable has renovated the temple into a serene sanctuary in the famous tourist land of Ha Tien.
Sculptures within the temple (Photo by ST)
The Majestic Architecture of Phu Dung Temple
Perched upon the elevated grounds at the foot of Mount Binh San, stands a splendid monastery comprising a spacious courtyard and two separate worship areas.
The Tomb of Lady Phu Dung (Photo by ST)
The courtyard features a lofty pedestal, atop which stands a towering cement statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, painted in white. Adjacent is the Main Hall, elegantly adorned and solemnly decorated. In the center lies the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by his two great disciples Ananda and Mahakasyapa.
Devotees flock to the temple for pilgrimage (photo by ST)
Here lie four large bas-reliefs, each 1.3m high and 2.3m wide, depicting four scenes from the life of Lord Buddha: birth, enlightenment, preaching, and nirvana. In the ancestral house, there is an altar dedicated to Lady Phu Cu.
Phu Dung Pagoda is also known as Phu Cu Pagoda (photo by ST)
Behind the Main Hall is a small courtyard, followed by a tall palace called Ngoc Hoang Palace, dedicated to the Jade Emperor and two deities, Nam Tao and Bac Dau, made of bamboo core covered with fragrant paper and then coated with gold lacquer.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Phu Dung Temple (Photo by ST)
Embark on a spiritual journey to Phu Dung Temple in Ha Tien, where ancient legends and tales await amidst the majestic Binh San mountains. Experience the serenity and profound contemplation within its peaceful walls. (Styled by 400)
A popular pilgrimage destination, the temple attracts numerous visitors (Photo by ST)
