Buzz
When it comes to renowned ancient temples in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda cannot be overlooked. With centuries-old history and exquisite architecture, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, has never ceased to captivate both international and domestic tourists.
Nestled beside the meandering Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda boasts ancient architecture that enhances the charm of its picturesque natural surroundings. The sound of Thien Mu bell resonates like the soul of Hue, echoing along the Perfume River, evoking nostalgia in the hearts of locals and visitors alike when visiting the ancient capital. Let's explore everything about Thien Mu Pagoda with Klook Vietnam from A to Z!
What Do You Know About Hue's Thien Mu Pagoda?
Hue City, this beautiful and tranquil ancient capital, is home to numerous historical sites and famous temples in Vietnam. Among them, the oldest temple increasingly attracting tourists is Thien Mu Pagoda. Situated amidst picturesque countryside, Thien Mu Pagoda serves as a source of inspiration for many literary, musical, and artistic works. Its beauty is derived from the harmonization of cultural, historical, spiritual, and artistic values. Thien Mu Pagoda is listed among the must-visit destinations in Hue.
A prominent feature of Thien Mu Pagoda is the Phuoc Duyen Tower. Built preceding the temple, the tower stands 21 meters tall, consisting of 7 tiers. Each tier houses a Buddha statue, while the top tier features a gold Buddha statue. Phuoc Duyen Tower is a fundamental architectural structure of Thien Mu Pagoda, visible from afar.
Where is Thien Mu Pagoda Located?
The pagoda is situated on Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, atop Hà Khê Hill, in Hương Long Ward, on the north bank of the Perfume River, about 5km from the city center of Huế. It was officially established during the reign of Lord Nguyễn Hoàng - the first lord of South Vietnam.
Guide on How to Get to Thien Mu Pagoda
There are several transportation options to reach Thien Mu Pagoda such as:
- By boat: Take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River for about 30 minutes to reach Thien Mu Pagoda, enjoying the cool breeze along the riverside and stunning scenery.
- By private car with driver, cyclo: Travel along Kim Long Street and before turning onto Nguyen Phuc Chu Street. It takes about 10 minutes covering 2km from the city center.
- By bicycle: You can rent a bike to leisurely ride to Thien Mu Pagoda as the road is beautiful and relatively short. You can also combine your visit to Thien Mu Pagoda with Hue's Imperial Academy and Huyen Khong Pagoda, just a few kilometers away. However, it's advisable to cycle early in the morning to avoid the scorching sun at noon and pay attention to the crowded traffic on the roads.
#teamKlook, you can explore Thien Mu Pagoda and many other beloved tourist spots in Hue with the one-day sightseeing tour currently available on Klook. Book your tour today to enjoy incredible deals and benefits!
Thien Mu Pagoda Opening Hours
Thien Mu Pagoda is open all day so you can explore at your leisure. For beautiful photo opportunities and to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, the best time to visit is from 06:00 - 08:00 when there are fewer tourists. If you want to admire the romantic sunset over the calm Perfume River, aim to arrive between 17:00 - 18:00 in the evening!
Ticket Prices for Thien Mu Pagoda
- Admission to Thien Mu Pagoda is completely free.
You can also visit some nearby attractions and historical sites near Thien Mu Pagoda during your itinerary. The prices for these attractions range from approximately 10,000 VND to 100,000 VND per person per visit.
History of Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda: Hue's Oldest Religious Landmark
Thien Mu Pagoda, located in the village of Thuong Hoa, Quang Nam Province, is said to have been established by Lord Nguyen Hoang during a visit to Hua Khê Hill in 1601. Recognizing the site's resemblance to a dragon, he decided to build a temple facing the Perfume River and named it Thien Mu. In 1665, Lord Nguyen Phuc Tan undertook renovations, albeit on a smaller scale.
King Nguyen Phuc Chu commissioned the casting of a large bronze bell weighing 3,285 catties, an artistic masterpiece known as the Great Bell of Hong Chung. The bell's tolling brought peace to the hearts of Hue's people in 1710. In 1714, King Nguyen Phuc Chu continued to undertake numerous grand projects, including the construction of the Triple Gate, Thien Vuong Pavilion, Ngoc Hoang Pavilion, Thap Vuong Pavilion, and the Library of Buddhist Sutras.
When Was Thien Mu Pagoda Built?
Thien Mu Pagoda was built in the year of Tân Sửu, 1601, during Lord Nguyen Hoang's reign. Under the reign of Nguyen Phuc Chu (1691 - 1725), Buddhism flourished in Southern Vietnam, prompting significant architectural developments. He personally inscribed a large stele to commemorate the construction of these architectural marvels, and over 1,000 Buddhist scriptures were purchased from China and stored in the library, extolling Buddhist philosophy.
Expanding its natural beauty and scale over time, Thien Mu Pagoda became Vietnam's most beautiful pagoda. Additionally, it underwent numerous renovations during the Nguyen dynasty. To celebrate Empress Thuận Thiên Cao Hoàng's 80th birthday (the wife of King Gia Long and grandmother of King Thiệu Trị), King Thiệu Trị expanded the pagoda further. In addition to architectural structures such as Phuoc Duyen Tower and Dai Hung Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda also features many other famous works such as the Guardian Deity statue, the Bodhisattva statue, the Laughing Buddha statue, and the Three Buddhas statue, marking a golden era of Thien Mu Pagoda.
The Legend of Thien Mu Pagoda
The name of the pagoda is closely associated with local folklore. It is said that on Hà Khê Hill, a girl in red and white attire often appeared. She told the locals that a noble hero would come to this land and build a temple on the mountain to gather the powerful feng shui of nature, attracting brave men and talents to help the nation prosper.
In 1601, when Lord Nguyen Hoang arrived in the region and heard the legend, he instructed the people to build a temple as the girl had foretold. He believed that she was a divine being, so he named the temple Thien Mu or Lady of Heaven. Some also called it Linh Mu (Holy Mother) Temple, but Thien Mu remained the most famous name.
What's Special About Thien Mu Pagoda?
Thien Mu Pagoda stands as a stalwart witness to history on the banks of the Perfume River. It lives on in the consciousness of the people of Hue and in the cultural life of Vietnam. The temple grounds boast several famous structures you shouldn't miss, such as:
1. Thien Mu Pagoda's Triple Gate
The Triple Gate is the first point of entry when you step into Thien Mu Pagoda. This is the main gate leading straight into the temple. The gate has a total of 2 floors, 8 roofs, and 3 wooden doors painted in sturdy red. Surrounding the gate are statues of the Guardians, ensuring the peace of the temple.
2. Phuoc Duyen Tower at Thien Mu Pagoda
Phuoc Duyen Tower has now become a famous symbol associated with Thien Mu Pagoda. Built in front of the temple in 1984, this tower stands at 21 meters tall with 7 floors. Each floor houses a Buddha statue. Inside, there is a spiral staircase leading to the highest floor, where there used to be a golden Buddha statue.
In front of the tower is Hương Nguyên Shrine. The storm of 1904 heavily damaged the temple and many architectural structures, including the complete collapse of Hương Nguyên Shrine (its traces still remain). In 1907, King Thành Thái had it rebuilt, but the temple could no longer maintain its original grandeur. On both sides of the tower are two quadrilateral shapes, bearing two plaques of Thiệu Trị. Deep inside are two hexagonal houses, plaque houses, and a bell tower dedicated to King Nguyễn Phúc Chu.
3. Dai Hung Temple
This is the main hall in Thien Mu Pagoda and is a magnificent architectural structure. During the restoration in 1957, all columns, beams, walls, and platforms were rebuilt with concrete and covered with a layer of faux wood paint. In addition to the bronze Buddha statue, there is also a large bronze statue depicting the moon-faced deity, with an inscription indicating that this statue was donated to the temple by Tran Dinh An. Inside the temple is a statue of Budai. It is said that Buddha has ears to hear the world's suffering, a belly to embrace the world's compassion, and a wide mouth to laugh at the world.
Separated from the location of the Di Lac statue are three Buddhas in the center of the hall. On both sides are Bodhisattvas and Pho Hien. Along the path behind the garden is a display room of photos and the car of Venerable Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated in 1963 to protest against the suppression of Buddhism. Next is the tomb of Master Thich Don Hau - He was the vice chairman of the Patriotic Buddhist Association during the anti-American period and contributed to the revival of Buddhism in Hue and Vietnam.
4. Earth Store Shrine
The Earth Store Shrine is located behind the Dai Hung Temple and is separated by a wide courtyard with many ornamental trees. It sits on the footprint of the old Di Lac temple, which was quite spacious. The road on the left of Dai Hung leads into the temple.
Originally built to worship Guan Gong (since 1907), a common practice in ancient Vietnamese temples influenced by Chinese Buddhism. Even today, large temples in Hue still worship Guan Gong. It is believed that Guan Gong, after death, was sacred, able to discern good and bad, and predict the future. Therefore, the temple is a place of worship not only for Buddha but also for the divination cards.
5. Great Bell of Dai Hong Chung
In 1710, King Nguyen Phuc Chu commissioned the casting of the 'Great Bell of Dai Hong Chung' to worship the national duke. Despite being 300 years old, the Great Bell of Dai Hong Chung still retains its inherent solemn beauty. Dai Hong Chung, 2.5 meters tall, is located in the courtyard of Thien Mu Pagoda. The bell is engraved with Dai Hong Chung weighing 3,285 catties and inscribed with the characters of King Nguyen Phuc Chu, symbolizing the wish for favorable weather, national prosperity, and all people to be Buddhist disciples. The decorative patterns on the Great Bell of Dai Hong Chung are very sophisticated with high artistic level. The motifs are very flexible and symmetrical. There are eight letters written on the body of the bell in various ways. Moreover, it is rumored that the Great Bell of Dai Hong Chung at Thien Mu Pagoda was the largest treasure in Hue at that time. Therefore, the people of Hue are very proud of this bell.
6. Vintage Car Austin Westminster
Within Thien Mu Pagoda lies a vintage car carefully preserved by the local people. Distant Buddhist followers or international tourists should take some time to admire this car, tinged with the colors of bygone days, the Austin Westminster, which once paraded and escorted Venerable Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated on June 11, 1963, to protest against the Diem regime.
In 1963, the political atmosphere in the South changed, leaving no room for peace under the government of Ngo Dinh Diem. Gunshots rang out, flames erupted everywhere to suppress communism and the Buddhist community. During that time, Venerable Thich Quang Duc, the abbot of An Quang Pagoda, unable to bear seeing Buddhists oppressed in a pool of blood, decided to self-immolate to protest the brutal actions of the Diem-Nhu regime.
Nearly half a century has passed, and the Austin Westminster car still retains its modern, convenient, and luxurious appearance. However, over time, it has become worn and rusty. Nevertheless, the car with license plate DBA 599 will forever be associated with the heroic self-immolation event of the patriotic monk Thich Quang Duc.
Thien Mu Pagoda Festival, Hue
You can visit Thien Mu Pagoda during the Lunar New Year festival or on the anniversary of Buddha's Birthday. On these days, there will be many grand festivals.
The most pleasant weather in Hue is from January to February. It's the ideal time to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. If you want to see Thien Mu Pagoda in the blooming season, you can visit in May or June.
Travel Tips for Thien Mu Pagoda
As this is a temple site, when visiting, dress modestly, respectfully, and conservatively.
- Walk lightly, speak softly, avoid making noise and using vulgar language in the temple grounds, which could disturb the sacred and serene atmosphere.
- Inside the temple, there are many souvenir stalls selling Hue specialties such as conical hats, Ao dai, jewelry, souvenirs, etc. You can freely choose and negotiate prices reasonably. And it's best to avoid buying outside the temple!
Famous Tourist Attractions Near Thien Mu Pagoda
There are many famous tourist attractions in Hue near Thien Mu Pagoda that you can combine in your exploration journey such as: Hon Chen Palace, Minh Mang Tomb, An Hien Garden House, Hue Imperial City,....
Explore the ancient city of Hue with many attractions on Klook Blog such as: Independent travel guide to Hue, indulging in Hue specialties, experiencing the best Hue hotels, homestays in Hue, the finest Hue resorts today. Also, don't forget to book Hue hotel rooms on the Klook platform to receive great discounts and many attractive privileges when using the service.
If you still don't have specific plans for your trip, you can consider Day tour to the Ancient Capital of Hue, Tour exploring Pha Tam Giang Hue, Hue culinary tour, listening to Hue songs on the Perfume River, or tour visiting Cau Hai Lagoon which are extremely popular. There are many other exciting tours waiting for you to discover.
You must definitely admire Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue at least once in your life. Does #teamKlook agree?
