Hue is the area where the national cultural treasures have been preserved just as they were intended to be. One of these treasures is the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is widely recognized. His antique architecture, holiness, and mythology, which is rich with a variety of obscure historical legends, are what make it stand out from other places. We invite you to join us in discovering the fascinating and awe-inspiring characteristics of this holy sanctuary that dates back 400 years, if you have never been to this pagoda before.

Overview of Thien Mu Pagoda

• Address: on the north bank of the Perfume River, near Huong Long village
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: 6h00 am - 20h00

The Thien Mu Pagoda, sometimes called the Linh Mu Pagoda, is considered one of the most historical and fascinating pagodas in Hue city. It is also known as the Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda. It is located on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River, near Huong Long village, which is 5km away from Hue city and is easily accessible from the city center.

The stunning pagoda was constructed in the year 1601. Later on, the pagoda was repaired by a number of rulers of the Nguyen Dynasty, including Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Thanh Thai, among others. 

The pagoda gets its name from a unique legend that originates in Thailand. A long time ago, an elderly woman presented herself on the hill where the pagoda is located today. She informed the people of the area that a Lord would come and construct a Buddhist pagoda to ensure the nation's prosperity. Because of this, Lord Nguyen Hoang ordered the construction of the pagoda known as the "Heaven Fairy Lady" or Thiên Mụ in Vietnamese (sometimes referred to as Linh Mụ). Since the pagoda has such a fascinating past, it has attracted many tourists from all over the country, both inside and outside the country, who come to investigate the mythology for themselves.

Traveling Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue

Architectural highlights of Thien Mu Pagoda

Tam Quan Gate

Behind Phuoc Duyen Tower is where you will find the pagoda's primary entrance, which is located here. Three passageways go to the three different worlds: the human world, the demon world, and the god world. A total of eight roofs and two stories make up the gate. Located on the second floor of the middle gate is a Buddhist shrine that is dedicated to Buddha. In particular, numerous easily distinguishable motifs have been etched onto the top of the roof. Concurrently, the statue of the Dharma Protector is positioned on both sides of the gate to provide protection.

Dai Hung Palace

At Dai Hung Palace, which is situated in the main hall of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, one can worship Maitreya Buddha, who is known to bring forth a joyful and carefree state of mind. A depiction of Maitreya Buddha shows him to have a soft demeanor, large ears, and a large belly. These characteristics are meant to indicate an extremely giving and loving heart that is capable of raising everyone. Solid cement is used in every single construction of the Palace. As a result of the side being painted with a wood color, we feel as though we belong here.

Phuoc Duyen Tower

When guests arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, they should not miss the opportunity to check in at Phuoc Duyen Tower on their way in. Immediately following the entrance gate is where you will find this work. The Phuoc Duyen tower is sometimes compared to the "soul" of the pagoda, which is an extremely significant comparison. This building, together with other works, results in the formation of a unified complex that brings distinctive and distinctive characteristics while still retaining a vivid hue.

King Thieu Tri constructed Phuoc Duyen Tower in 1844 for the occasion of the longevity ceremony of Queen Thuan Thien, who was King Thieu Tri's grandmother. The ceremony was held in honor of Queen Thuan Thien. Initially, it was known by the name Tu Nhan Thap. After that, it was renamed to reflect its current status. In order to finish the Tower at that time, the materials for the Bat Trang pottery, the stones, and the clay had to be brought in from the outside.

Phuoc Duyen Tower

Traditional bricks were used in the construction of the Tower's body, while stone was used for the curb. Together, they created a tower block that was octagonal in shape. This Tower is seven stories tall and stands at a height of 21 meters. The higher it is, the more diminutive it becomes. There is a statue of Buddha on each floor. A spiral staircase can be found within, and it offers access to the highest floor, which is where the golden Buddha statue that was once there is situated. There is no variation in the overall pattern of any of the floors, which are all painted in pink. It has, over the course of many years, carried the relic of time, so underlining the exceptional significance of the architecture of the ancient city.

Dia Tang Palace

You will arrive at the Dia Tang Palace and the Quan The Am Palace which are located just behind the Dai Hung Palace. When compared to the Quan The Am Palace, which is concealed within the grove and appears to be quite simple, without any carved patterns, the Dia Tang Palace is constructed on the foundation of Maitreya and features intricate decorative patterns. A bronze statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara has been placed within the Dia Tang Palace. The figure is seated on a lotus foundation. With ten deities on each side of the Palace, the area to worship the gods can be found on both sides of the palace.

Venerable Thich Don Hau Tomb

The Most Affirmative In the pagoda, Thich Don Hau was a well-known and respected abbot. Throughout his entire life, he endeavored to contribute to the growth of Buddhism in Vietnam. And in addition to that, he was appreciated by the people as a result of the numerous public community services that he provided to those who were in need. As a consequence of this, when the revered monk passed away, the people and administrators of the pagoda buried him beneath the tower that was located at the very end of the campus. This was done as a means to convey their heartfelt thanks to the monk.

How to get to Thien Mu Pagoda?

There are a variety of routes that can be taken to reach the Thien Mu Pagoda. You can take a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located along the Perfume River, and then to listen to the music performed by the Hue Royal Court. Besides you can also go there by walking, riding a bike, or driving a motorbike. You can also rent a private car from Vietnam Trust Car Rental if you want to have the most enjoyable experience possible at your disposal. 

Take a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda

hen they come to Hue, tourists from all over the world, the Thien Mu Pagoda is consistently regarded as one of the most remarkable places they have ever visited. The tranquility and modest temperament of this area are represented not only in the grandeur of the historical elements and the antique architecture, but also in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. You will have a complete understanding of the unique beauty and history of the Thien Mu Pagoda once you have finished reading this essay. Consequently, if you have a strong interest in learning about historical contexts and architectural details, you should not overlook the opportunity to visit the well-known pagoda!

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