Thien Mu Pagoda description and photos - Vietnam: Hue (Topic)

Thien Mu Pagoda description and photos - Vietnam: Hue. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Thien Mu Pagoda.

Photo and description

Tien Mu Pagoda is the main attraction of the city of Hue, an informal symbol of the city and the tallest pagoda in Vietnam.

The pagoda is an old one, founded in 1601 on the banks of the Fragrant River. The name translates as "heavenly fairy". Both the name and the base of the pagoda are associated with an unusual legend. Once an old woman in green and red robes appeared on the mountain, who declared this place sacred. Then she flew into the sky. A pagoda was laid on the top of Mount Ha Khe, which was named after the fairy who indicated the place. Over the past centuries, the pagoda has been destroyed and rebuilt more than once. Under Emperor Thieu Three, a seven-tier building was erected with a height of over 20 meters. This octagonal building has survived to this day. The seven tiers symbolize the seven incarnations of the Buddha.

The recent history of the pagoda also has pathetic pages. In the thirties and forties, the pagoda was the center of Buddhist resistance to French colonization. Later, in 1963, one of the monks committed self-immolation in Saigon to protest the violation of the rights of believers by the French administration. The act turned out to be effective. The footage of the act of self-immolation bypassed all European channels, shocked the public. This event is considered the beginning of the fall of the puppet regime of the dictator Diem.

Today the pagoda is surrounded by a small but very harmonious park - with sculptures, benches, pavilions, a bonsai garden, lush flowers and a pond with orchids. On the territory of the pagoda, in a small pavilion, the car of a monk who burned himself in Saigon is kept. In another pavilion, there is a giant bell weighing three tons. The same pavilion displays antique bronze items.

The pagoda is located in a beautiful place, it also offers a picturesque view of the beloved Perfume River. The atmosphere of the holy place is immediately felt despite the large number of tourists. Here you can ask for peace of mind, recovery from illness, etc. Claims that requests are being fulfilled.

We also recommend reading Mount Aragats description and photo - Armenia

Topic: Thien Mu Pagoda description and photos - Vietnam: Hue.