1. Where is Thien Mu Pagoda located?
Thien Mu Pagoda is also known as another name “Linh Mu Pagoda”, located on Ha Khe hill, in Kim Long Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province. Thien Mu Pagoda is located on the North bank of the Perfume river, about 5km West of Hue city center. This place has a charming landscape, becoming an indispensable stop for visitors when visiting Hue city.
2. History of Thien Mu Pagoda
According to historical records, Lord Nguyen Hoang – the first Lord of Nguyen Dynasty was the one who built this pagoda. In 1601, in order to prepare for the process of expanding the territory and building the country, Lord Nguyen Hoang and his soldiers rode horses along both banks of the Huong River. He suddenly saw the image of a small hill rising up beside the blue river, looking like a turning its head to look back.
At the same time, people in the area told each other the story of an old woman wearing a red skirt, with a kind face. Every night she went up to Ha Khe Hill and told everyone: Here, there will be a true Lord who will build a pagoda to guard the dragon vein. Seeing that his idea was similar to the story, Nguyen Hoang immediately ordered his soldiers to build a pagoda on the hill. At this time, the pagoda was named “Thien Mu Tu” – meaning “Mother of Heaven”.
Over the time, the pagoda has underwent many renovations and expansions over the centuries, especially under the reign of the Nguyen Emperors, who made hue their capital from 1802 to 1945. the most notable of these was the restoration in 1710, under the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. He completed and changed many structures of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. In particular, a bell called “Dai Hong Chung” weighing more than 2 tons was cast and place right at Dai Hung Palace.
3. Architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda
According to historical records, Lord Nguyen Hoang – the first Lord of Nguyen Dynasty was the one who built this pagoda. In 1601, in order to prepare for the process of expanding the territory and building the country, Lord Nguyen Hoang and his soldiers rode horses along both banks of the Huong River. He suddenly saw the image of a small hill rising up beside the blue river, looking like a turning its head to look back.
At the same time, people in the area told each other the story of an old woman wearing a red skirt, with a kind face. Every night she went up to Ha Khe Hill and told everyone: Here, there will be a true Lord who will build a pagoda to guard the dragon vein. Seeing that his idea was similar to the story, Nguyen Hoang immediately ordered his soldiers to build a pagoda on the hill. At this time, the pagoda was named “Thien Mu Tu” – meaning “Mother of Heaven”.
Over the time, the pagoda has underwent many renovations and expansions over the centuries, especially under the reign of the Nguyen Emperors, who made hue their capital from 1802 to 1945. the most notable of these was the restoration in 1710, under the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. He completed and changed many structures of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. In particular, a bell called “Dai Hong Chung” weighing more than 2 tons was cast and place right at Dai Hung Palace.
3.1 Phuoc Duyen Tower
The most prominent highlight of the pagoda is Phuoc Duyen Tower (orginally called Tu Nhan Tower), built by King Thieu Tri in 1884 and has become an unofficial symbol of Hue. Phuoc Duyen Tower was built right behind the main gate area. Although located in front, Phuoc Duyen Tower is considered the “soul” of the pagoda. This architecture, along with other structures, forms a unified complex, with unique and distinct features but still imbued with Hue.
Initially, the tower was called Tu Nhan Tower. It was later changed to its current name. At that time, to complete the tower, materials from clay, stone and Bat Trang pottery had to be transported from outside.
The body of the tower was built of bricks, the embankment was built of stone. All combined to from an octagonal tower, the higher it gets, the smaller it gets, with a total of 7 floors, each floor is 2m high. Overall, the design of each floor is exactly the same, painted pink. Over the years, the pagoda has been marked by the “time” highlighting the unique value of the ancient capital’s architecture.
3.2 The Bell “Dai Hong Chung”
On the left of the tower is a room containing a large bell. The bell is called Dai Hong Chung, cast in 1710 by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. Dai Hong Chung is famous for its large size, 2.5m high and weighing 3,285 kg. It is considered an outstanding achievement of bronze casting in the 18th century.
3.3 Thien Mu Pagoda’s Triple Gate
The Triple Gate is the first point when entering Thien Mu Pagoda. This is the main gate leading straight into the pagoda. The gate has a total of 2 floors, 8 roof and 3 sturdy red painted wooden doors. Around the gate are statues of Dharma protectors, ensuring peace for the pagoda.
3.4 Dai Hung Palace
Dai Hung Temple is located in the center and is the main place of worship of the pagoda. In the middle of the main hall is decorated with a Dharma wheel, on the roof of the main hall are decorated with two winding dragons, on both sides is the sun in the middle with 7 flames forming the shape of a lotus flower. Nearby are also paintings with flower themes and images telling the story of Buddha from birth until he left home and attained enlightenment.
4. Opening Hours of Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is open all day so you can explore at your leisure. For great photos and a quiet atmosphere, the best time to visit is between 06:00 – 08:00 when there are fewer tourists.
If you want to catch a romantic sunset over the tranquil Perfume River, come around 17:00 – 18:00 in the evening.
