Thien Mu Pagoda

Historic Building in Hue

Chùa Thiên Mụ
CC BY-SA 3.0 / LÊ TẤN LỘC

Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is an ancient and significant Buddhist temple located on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, about 5 kilometers west of Hue city center in Vietnam. Established in 1601 during the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen Lord in Dang Trong, the pagoda is one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in the region.

History and Legend

Before the establishment of Thien Mu Pagoda, Ha Khe Hill was home to a Cham temple known as Thien Mo or Thien Mau. According to legend, Lord Nguyen Hoang, while exploring the area to expand his territory, came across this hill, which resembled a dragon turning its head back. Local folklore told of an old woman who would appear on the hill, prophesying that a true lord would come to build a temple that would harness the area’s spiritual energy, strengthen the dragon vein, and make the nation strong. Inspired by this, Nguyen Hoang ordered the construction of Thien Mu Pagoda, which he believed would bring prosperity and strength to his newly established rule.

Name and Significance

The name “Thien Mu” translates to “Heavenly Lady,” reflecting the divine inspiration behind its founding. In 1862, during the reign of King Tu Duc, the name was briefly changed to “Linh Mu” (Sacred Lady) due to concerns that the word “Thien” (Heaven) might be considered disrespectful. However, this change was short-lived, and the temple is commonly referred to by both names today.

Architectural Highlights

Thien Mu Pagoda has undergone several expansions and renovations since its founding. Under Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu (1691–1725), the pagoda was rebuilt on a grander scale, including the construction of the Dai Hong Chung bell, which weighs over two tons, and various large-scale architectural works such as the Thien Vuong Palace and Dai Hung Palace. Although many of these structures no longer exist, the pagoda still retains significant historical and architectural value.

One of the most iconic features of Thien Mu Pagoda is the Phuoc Duyen Tower, a 21-meter-tall, seven-story octagonal tower built in 1844 by King Thieu Tri to celebrate his grandmother’s birthday. The tower, which has become a symbol of Thien Mu Pagoda, houses Buddha statues on each floor and features a spiral staircase leading to the top.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Thien Mu Pagoda has played a significant role in the history of Vietnam, particularly during the Tay Son Dynasty, when it was repurposed as an altar for Earth Worship. The pagoda has been restored multiple times, most notably after severe storm damage in 1904. Today, it houses many valuable historical artifacts, including statues of Dharma protectors, the Ten Kings, Maitreya Buddha, and the Three Worlds Buddha, as well as ancient stone steles and bronze bells.

The pagoda is also known for its beautifully maintained garden, which includes a rockery donated by Dao Tan, the founder of Vietnamese opera. Additionally, the grounds contain the car used by the monk Thich Quang Duc before his self-immolation in 1963, a powerful act of protest against the Buddhist repression of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime.

Legacy

Thien Mu Pagoda remains a cherished cultural and religious site, attracting visitors for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and serene natural surroundings. It continues to be a place of worship and reflection, preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Vietnam.

The Thien Mu Pagoda appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hue!

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Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda

Address: Thien Mu Pagoda, Huế, Hương Long, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

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