Buzz
Visiting temples and honoring Buddha has been a distinctive cultural trait of Vietnamese people from ancient times to the present. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda with its expansive grounds and awe-inspiring architecture attracts thousands of tourists for sightseeing.
Vĩnh Nghiêm, the sacred pagoda in Saigon
This ancient and venerable temple is situated at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street (near Cong Ly Bridge), Ward 7, District 3. Construction of the temple began in 1964 and was completed in 1971. The architect behind this project was Nguyen Ba Lang, with collaboration from Le Tan Chuyen and Co Van Hau.
Grand inauguration ceremony of Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Ceremony at Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Aerial view of the Pagoda's precinct
The pagoda's precinct spans approximately 6,000m2, comprising three main areas: the Three Gates, the Central Building, and the Pagodas. The architecture features gracefully curved tiled roofs, intricate carvings, and meticulous detailing throughout.
What can be found inside the temple?
1. Three-Gate Entrance
The Three-Gate Entrance is a magnificent traditional architectural structure with gracefully curved red-tiled roofs. From here, visitors can admire the panoramic view inside the temple. The temple courtyard is vast and spacious, with the Central Building directly opposite the Three-Gate Entrance, and to the left of the courtyard stands the 7-tiered Pagoda.
Image of the Three-Gate Entrance of the temple
2. Central Building
This is a solid and imposing structure consisting of 1 floor and 1 mezzanine.
Image of the Central Building of Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
The ground floor has 2 sections: the outer part located below the terrace (3.20m high) and the inner part located under the Buddha Hall (4.20m high). Inside, it is divided into Ancestral Hall (with the altar of Bodhisattva), lecture hall, office, library, monks' quarters, classrooms, and study rooms.
From the temple courtyard, a 23-step staircase leads up to the upper floor of the central building, which includes a terrace, Buddha Hall, and Quan The Am Tower.
Buddha Hall and Quan The Am Tower.
The terrace is about 10m wide, with a bell pavilion on the right and a large communal bell hanging.
Image of the bell pavilion of the temple
The Buddha Hall consists of 3 parts: Bai Dien, Ban Dien, and Dia Tang Duong. The architecture is built in the style of traditional Vietnamese calligraphy. The corners of the roof are gracefully curved in the style of Northern Vietnamese temples.
Image of the majestic Bai Dien of the temple
The majestic Bai Dien is 35m long, 22m wide, and 15m high. In the center of the hall is the altar of Shakyamuni Buddha, with Bodhisattva Manjusri on the left and Bodhisattva Samantabhadra on the right. The wood carvings here depict the four supernatural creatures, the nine dragons, and especially the reliefs on the pillars depicting famous temples in Vietnam and some Asian countries. On either side of the entrance porch, there is a large statue of Kim Cang Bodhisattva.
3. Avalokitesvara Tower
Located on the left side when entering the temple gate, it consists of 7 floors and is nearly 40m tall. This is one of the most magnificent towers in Vietnam.
4. Xa Loi Community Tower
Built in 1982 with 4 floors and 25m tall. This is where urns containing the ashes of the deceased, sent and preserved by their families, are kept in the temple.
Image of the Xa Loi Community Tower
5. Vĩnh Nghiêm Stone Tower
You'll see the tower on the right-hand side as soon as you step into the temple. It was built in 2003 to worship the late Venerable Thich Thanh Kiem - one of the two venerables who founded the temple. And this is the first stone tower in the South as well as standing in the list of the largest and tallest stone towers in Vietnam.
Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda Stone Tower Saigon
The atmosphere at Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda helps people feel pure and peaceful when they step in, without hustle and bustle, amidst the crowd.
