Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda) is an ancient pagoda located on Ha Khe hill, about 5km west of Hue city center, Thua Thien Hue province.
According to documents, the pagoda was built in 1601 during the reign of Lord Tien Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen Lord in Dang Trong. The pagoda has undergone many stages of renovation but still retains its ancient features.
Architecturally, Thien Mu Pagoda faces the poetic Huong River. In front of the pagoda are four large pillars and 19 steps from the street up to the pagoda yard.
Up to the temple yard is the 21m high Phuoc Duyen tower with 7 floors, built in 1844 on the occasion of the "eight-year longevity" ceremony of Thuan Thien Cao Hoang Hau (wife of King Gia Long), grandmother of King Thieu Tri.
Behind Phuoc Duyen tower is the Tam Quan pagoda built with 2 floors, the upper floor is to worship Lord Tien Nguyen Hoang and Ba Mu, each door has 2 guardian statues.
Inside the Tam Quan gate, on both sides there will be two houses with 6 guardian statues.
Through the Tam gate is a large yard with rows of trees and gardens leading to the main hall of the pagoda - a place of worship and ceremonies.
Behind the main hall is a large garden with many trees and flowers, along with a rockery combined with a Koi fish pond.
Next to the rockery is a car - a relic left by the late monk Thich Quang Duc before he set himself on fire to protest the Ngo Dinh Diem regime's policy of suppressing Buddhism in 1963.
In addition, in the temple grounds there are also monks' houses, living areas and finally a pine forest and the tomb of the late monk Thich Don Hau, the famous abbot of Thien Mu Pagoda.
The temple with unique architectural design attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.
With a history of more than 400 years, Thien Mu Pagoda is considered a cultural and religious symbol of Hue. (Photo: Hoang Hai).
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