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Sun World Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh impresses with its stunning religious architecture amidst the majestic nature. The temple – shrine – cave complex offers meaningful spiritual experiences for pilgrims on their journey.
1. Linh Son Tien Thach Temple (Ba Temple)
Linh Son Tien Thach Temple is located halfway up the mountain at an elevation of 350 meters in Sun World Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh. This is the Ba Temple system, also known as the Phat Temple or Upper Temple. Established in 1745 and built in 1763, it covers an area of 6,151.8 m². It is the oldest and most enduring temple in Tay Ninh, a relic from the region’s first inhabitants, and a clear symbol of the introduction of Buddhism to Tay Ninh.
The Ba Temple system at Sun World Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh also includes Hang Temple, Trung Temple, and Quan Am Temple, all nearly 300 years old. These sacred sites are deeply intertwined with the local community’s spiritual life. Pilgrims from all over come to pray before the reclining Buddha, known as the Buddha entering Nirvana – an essential part of any spiritual pilgrimage to this holy land.
2. Linh Son Long Chau Temple (Hang Temple)
Hang Pagoda is part of the temple complex located on the slopes of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh. Built in 1830 in the Northern Buddhist style, it was restored in 1995 before taking on its current impressive appearance. Hang Pagoda is closely tied to the legend of the "Cracked Stone Man" near the Golden Stream. It is also a significant site in the Linh Son Thanh Mau worship system on Ba Den Mountain. Today, the area features a memorial plaque dedicated to 181 officers and soldiers from the Military Protection Department – B2 Military Headquarters who bravely gave their lives during the resistance against the American war for independence.
Since 2020, a new cable car station has been added, designed to resemble a southern Buddhist temple. Built in the style of Hang Pagoda and Linh Son Tien Thach Temple, the station showcases many unique features in both its exterior and interior design.
3. Linh Son Phuoc Trung Pagoda (Trung Pagoda)
Located at the base of Ba Den Mountain, this pagoda follows the Northern Buddhist tradition. Established in 1876 by Masters Thanh Tho and Phuoc Chi, it covers an area of 2,329.2 square meters and is one of the five protected zones of the Ba Den Mountain National Tourism Area. Notably, it serves as the first stop for visitors on their pilgrimage to the various meditation sites along the mountain’s height. Inside the pagoda, visitors can find statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Quan Gong, and Thien Hau.
In addition to its religious functions, the pagoda also organizes annual charity activities, including giving gifts to the poor, supporting the construction of houses for solidarity, providing medical treatment, heart surgeries, and building bridges in rural areas.
4. Long Chau Phuoc Trung Pagoda
This temple was established by the founding monks who came to the mountain to practice. In the past, it was considered the central temple of Linh Son Tien Thach Temple, a place where pilgrims would stop when visiting Hang Pagoda and Ba Temple. Today, the temple has been renovated and now features a majestic appearance, with a statue of Linh Son Thanh Mau (the white-faced goddess) placed in the main hall at the highest point of the temple.
5. Linh Son Hoa Dong Pagoda
Linh Son Hoa Dong Pagoda (or Hoa Dong Pagoda) follows the traditional Southern Buddhist temple architecture. It was restored from an older temple where Venerable Thich Giac Dien once practiced during the mid-20th century.
The pagoda is situated in an isolated corner of Ba Den Mountain, covering an area of approximately 200 square meters. On the way to Hoa Dong Pagoda, visitors will have the opportunity to venerate the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni entering Nirvana.
6. Quan Am Pagoda
Quan Am Pagoda is located in the Ba Co Cave and is the highest temple in the Ba Den Mountain temple complex. To reach it from Hang Pagoda, visitors must climb hundreds of steep steps before arriving at Quan Am Pagoda.
At this site, Quan Am Pagoda is dedicated to the worship of Avalokiteshvara (Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát), along with numerous shrines and artificial caves dedicated to the worship of Co and Mau. The caves are formed from massive natural stone slabs, and are further adorned with stalactites hanging from the cave ceilings, creating a soothing water stream sound around, which adds to the sacred and mysterious ambiance.
7. Statue of Buddha Shakyamuni Entering Nirvana
The reclining statue of Buddha, also known as the "Buddha entering Nirvana," is located within the Ba Temple complex. This Buddhist monument is a must-see during a pilgrimage to the sacred land. The statue's reclining posture holds profound meaning, symbolizing a certain spiritual essence and sanctity of the Buddha. From a feng shui perspective, the statue also represents purity and comfort, bringing good fortune and peace to all.
8. Đại Hồng Chung
This large bell is a symbol of Buddhist culture, enhancing the solemnity of Linh Son Tien Thach Temple. The Đại Hồng Chung weighs over 6 tons, stands meters tall, and has a diameter of 2 meters. Crafted by more than 40 artisans, it was created as part of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long. The bell project began in 2010 and was completed with a grand ceremony on August 18, 2011.
9. Kim Quang Cave
Kim Quang Cave is located to the south of Ba Den Mountain. To enter the cave, one must cross a deep gorge approximately 4-5 meters deep, wide enough to span several meters, resembling a flowing stream.
This cave was once the base of the Tòa Thánh district army, with 60 comrades carrying the number C34. Kim Quang Cave is considered an impregnable stronghold for the liberation forces.
10. Ba Co Cave
Ba Co Cave is situated above Kim Quang Cave, around 150 meters from Hang Pagoda. According to legend, it was once the site of worship for three female monks who would frequently descend the mountain to assist the poor with medical care. Today, the cave has a rear entrance, easily accessible from Quan Am Pagoda. The main entrance is a narrow opening between a mountain rock on one side and an old fig tree on the other. At the end of the cave is a shrine with statues of the 'Three Sisters.'
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnMay 9, 2024
