Thien Mu Pagoda: The Oldest Temple in Hue City

Considered the oldest temple in Hue City, Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is located 5km west of the city center.

The temple is on a hill with a hidden dragon position, facing the north bank of the Perfume River. This place has all the favorable feng shui elements for the development of Buddhism and the practice of Buddhist culture.

1. The legend of Thien Mu Pagoda

In the past, the Ha Khue hill area was quite densely wooded. On the hill was a small temple that served as a sacred place of worship for local people.

In 1601, when Lord Nguyen Hoang traveled from the North to the region of Phu Xuan (Thua Thien Hue today) to find a place to set up his capital and build a fortune, he stopped to rest in this Ha Khe hill area.

While resting, Nguyen Hoang had a dream: He saw a woman, wearing a red shirt and blue pants, standing on the hill, saying, "There must be a lord to build a pagoda here to collect sacred energy to maintain the dragon power. Just hold incense sticks and walk along the riverbank until the incense burns out. That is the place where the capital is".

After waking up, Nguyen Hoang followed the woman's instructions in the dream. The lord found a favorable land to establish a capital, which is the Imperial Citadel that still exists today.

Right after that, Lord Nguyen Hoang expanded the entire Ha Khe hill and built a spacious pagoda to worship Buddha. Initially, it was named "Thiên Mụ", meaning "Heavenly Lady." During the reign of King Tu Duc, for fear of the word "Thiên" violating the heavenly majesty, the temple was renamed "Linh Mụ" (Holy Lady).

Today, two names, Heavenly Lady and Holy Lady, are popular among the locals. Over time, the temple has existed in the hearts of the Hue people as a sacred place to offer incense to Buddha, pray for peace in the country and life, and the best things for family and relatives.

2. Three unique features at Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is enormous, including various buildings and many beautiful spots that are waiting for you to explore. Among them, there are three typical features that you may be interested in:

2.1. The bell of Linh Mu Pagoda that can not ring

On the left side of Phuoc Duyen Tower is a small tower on the left side of the way, and inside is the treasure of Dai Hong Bell - the Great Bell. Dai Hong Chung was cast in 1710, during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. The bell weighs more than 2000kg, is 2.5m high, has a mouth diameter of 1.4m, and has many exquisite patterns engraved on its body.

The unique thing is that although this big bell has many cultural and historical values, it cannot ring. Although its resounding sounds have stopped for a long time, the bell still stays here.

Legend tells that, in the past, Dai Hong Chung rang very loudly, echoing far every early morning. However, one day, a couple fortuitously hid themselves under the bell and showed their love for each other. From then on, the bell suddenly stopped ringing. However, the bell is still a meaningful treasure associated with the temple's history.

2.2. The old Austin car

The classic Austin car displayed at Thien Mu Pagoda has great historical, cultural, and religious significance.

In 1963, Venerable Thich Quang Duc used this antique car to the intersection of Le Van Duyet and Phan Dinh Phung in Saigon (now the connection of Cach Mang Thang Tam and Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3, HCM City). Then, he burned himself in protest of the Ngo Dinh Diem government's policy of suppressing Buddhism.

Although, initially, Venerable Thich Quang Duc and this ancient Austin did not belong to this temple. But it is because Hue City is the Buddhist center of the whole country, and Thien Mu is a typical pagoda with a rich history. Therefore, the car associated with this marked historical event was displayed at this temple.

The principal purpose is for Buddhists to know and remember Venerable Thich Quang Duc's sacrifice and desire for the freedom of Buddhism in their lives.

2.3. Golden Buddha statue on top of Phuoc Duyen tower

As soon as you enter the pagoda area, the first impressive building that catches your eye is the seven-story Phuoc Duyen Tower. Most tourists take souvenir pictures around the foot of this tower.

The unique thing is that a golden Buddha statue was kept on the top floor of the building. However, this vital statue is no longer there; no one knows where it is.

In addition, the gate to the tower is usually closed. Therefore, very few people are lucky enough to set foot in the stupa. That is also why many visitors imagine mysterious things still hidden on the top floor of Phuoc Duyen Tower.

3. Architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda was built in the architectural style of I. That means all the main architectural works, such as the four pillars, Huong Nguyen Communal House, Phuoc Duyen Tower, Tam Quan Gate, Dai Hung Bao Dien, Dia Tang Temple, Quan Am Temple, and the Great Ancestor Tower, were built along a straight axis from the front to behind, balanced and clear layout.

The four pillars in front of the pagoda are designed to create an airy path. The nice thing is that the design of these four pillars does not have a roof, creating a feeling of heaven and earth interacting, bringing closeness and friendliness to everyone when visiting the temple.

The roofs of the temple buildings are decorated with dragons and reincarnation circles. The dragon images are simple and not too elaborate, like those on the royal palaces in the Citadel or the mausoleums of the Nguyen kings. Despite that, these dragons make this pagoda more powerful and sacred.

4. Note when going to Thien Mu Pagoda

Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, as well as other temples in Hue, you should pay attention to:

• Its dress code does not allow crop tops or tank tops, and pants or skirts that are too short or above the knee are also prohibited when entering the central area and worshipping temples.
• Please choose polite daily clothing to ensure solemnity when coming here.
• Keep your vehicle inside the designated parking area. You may be fined.
• Do not automatically ring the bell or write on walls or decorations at the temple.
• You should walk lightly and speak softly. Take photos comfortably, but do not pose in strange positions.
• At noon, around 11 am – 1 pm, the main temple is often closed for lunch. If you want to pray, pay attention to this time to arrange a suitable trip.
• The best time to take beautiful photos is early morning and late afternoon.