Thien Mu Pagoda – The Buddhist Structures in VietnamThien Mu Pagoda is one of the holiest Buddhist structures in Vietnam with the survival of more than one thousand years. The destination is really a harmonious combination between Vietnamese culture and the romantic landscapes in Hue city. Among the lush tree’s shade, Thien Mu pagoda appears with the contemplation and serene, which remind everyone a golden age of Vietnamese Buddhism. Let’s discover a part of Vietnamese history and values through an overview of Thien Mu Pagoda below: History Driving about 5km from the center of Hue city, visitors can access Thien Mu Pagoda hidden into the lush trees on Ha Khe hill. There is a mysterious legend why the Vietnamese ancestors chose this location for building the pagoda. Once time, Lord Nguyen Hoang takes a trip around the beautiful places in his country. He decides to take a rest on Ha Khe hill because of its sublime scenery and auspicious lands. The local people gossips that they met an old woman sitting on the top of Ha Khe hill and said: “There will be a Lord come and rebuild the old pagoda so that the development of our country is more prosperous”. After that, the old woman disappears. Therefore, the Lord replaces the small pagoda on Ha Khe hill into Thien Mu Pagoda as today. An overview of Thien Mu Pagoda from high altitude Experiencing through huge changes in Vietnamese history, Thien Mu Pagoda was used to be destroyed by strong floods and the ruins of time. Under the period of Nguyen dynasty, this place was restored and became one of the most palatial pagodas in Vietnamese center land. Besides, Thien Mu Pagoda was used for national rituals, which prays God for a peaceful nation and prosperous life of native people. Tam Quan Gate Tam Quan Gate is an area with 4 big pillars and 24 concrete steps erected in front of the entrance of Thien Mua Pagoda. After that, Nghi Mon, the main gate of pagoda will appear with ancient tiled roof and statues of Vietnamese God stuck on its wall. People believe that those God will remain the pagoda for safety. Nghi Mon Gate with a gravestone behind Dai Hung Shrine Dai Hung Shrine is the main part of Thien Mu Pagoda with the architectural style of Vietnam ancient time. Most of the main structures of the shrine were created by concrete painting with wood color layers. It also remains a huge Buddha statue, who can save the life of the poor and see the cruelty in the world. Phuoc Duyen Tower Phuoc Duyen Tower has become the most outstanding symbol of Thien Mu Pagoda for a long time. It has an octagonal shape with measuring with 21m in height, which includes 7 floors of different size. In the past time, a golden Buddha statue was put on the highest floor of the Phuoc Duyen Tower. Dai Hong Chung bell Dai Hong Chung bell is evaluated as an excellent masterpiece of Vietnamese bronze casting in the early 17th century. The bell is 2.5m in height, 2,025m in weight and 1.4 m in diameter. It is carved with sophisticated pictures of Buddhist holy animals and calligraphy. Landscapes Stepping foot on Thien Mu Pagoda, you can experience the feeling of satisfaction and tranquility when boating on romantic Perfume River. From a far distance, Thien Mu Pagoda appears in the solemnity of a historical Buddhist structure from the previous time. The lush tree is shaking towards breezes or a pine forest is flourishing behind Thien Mu Pagoda. It is really a perfect picture of the natural landscape and the priceless values of a hundred-year Buddhist structure in Vietnam. Share This Post