Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue City

1. History of Thien Mu Pagoda.

Thien Mu pagoda (Also called Heavenly Lady Pagoda) is the oldest monument in Hue with the wonderful Royal architecture, poetic views, and perfect Feng Shui. It has gained a reputation for not only its ancient beauty but also its mysterious stories.

Linh Mu Pagoda lies on Ha Khe Hill, on the Northern bank of the Perfume River in Hue city. It is about 5 kilometers from the center to this amazing area.

• You may be interested in our Hoi An to Hue Day Trip, Hue City Tour Half Day, and Hue City Tour by private car.

2. Stories about Thien Mu pagoda

2.1. Origin of the name Thien Mu.

In 1601, Nguyen Hoang- the first Lord of the Nguyen Kingdom came to Thuan Hoa province. He heard an unquestioned story from the local villagers. They rumored that every night, there was a beautiful lady from Heaven appeared on the hill. She told that “ one day, a true king will build a pagoda here for the country’s peacefulness and prosperity”. On hearing that, Nguyen Hoang immediately built a Buddism temple and named it Thien Mu. Lately, in 1862, Tu Duc Emperor changed it into Linh Mu to be more respectful.

2.2. Love curse Thien Mu

As you know, local couples, who love each other but are not yet married, don’t dare to come to Heavenly Lady pagoda together. At that time, there was a poor orphaned boy loving with a daughter of a well-off family. Unfortunately, the girl’s parents forced them to fall apart. As a consequence, they decided to kill themselves in the Huong River yard ( in front of Linh Mu Pagoda ) to show their true love. Ironically, the boy died, but the villages saved the girl. Gradually, she forgot the boy, got married to a rich mandarin, and led a wealthy life. The miserable soul of the boy knew the painful story; consequently, he cursed that every couple coming to Linh Mu Pagoda would break up. Until now, it is an unforgettable sad love story in the mind of the locals.

• THE SAD LOVE STORY OF THIEN MU PAGODA

3. Thien Mu Pagoda views looked from outside

4. What to see at Thien Mu Pagoda?

4.1. Phuoc Duyen Tower

From a high altitude, the holy pagoda looks like a giant dragon is turning its large back. From the Perfume river, it is easy to see Phuoc Duyen Tower. It was a birthday gift from Tu Duc Emperor offered to his grandmother in 1844. One special thing about this tower is that there is a statue of Buddha placed to face the south on every floor. Ongoing inside the tower, you can see a spiral staircase leading to the top floor where a golden Buddha statue was previously on display.

4.2. Giant Turtle And Dai Hung Chung Bell

Looking around in the left and right corners, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the giant turtle, made of marble in 1675. As you know, Turtle is one of the four holy animals in Vietnam. The symbol of longevity and education. So that’s why some students, before taking examinations come here to touch the head of the turtle to get good luck. The stele on the back of the turtle is a commemoration of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu’s renovation. The text inscribed on the stele, penned by the Lord, portrays the new buildings of the pagoda and praises Buddhism, as well as the monk, who helped the Lord spread the faith throughout the region.

On the left-hand side, there is a pavilion featuring a huge bronze bell, named Dai Hong Chung. Casted in 1710, the bell’s dimensions make it one of the most achievements in bronze casting in Vietnam at that time. It weighs nearly 6,000 pounds, is 4.5 feet high, and is audible up to 6 miles far away.

4.3. Three-Door Gate and Dai Hung Shrine

Entering the Three-door gate with 12 holy guardians, we will reach Dai Hung Shrine. The sanctuary shrine is where people pray and worship three Buddha statues, symbols of the past, present, and future, three lives of human beings. It is also the place where Buddhist monks worship.

4.4. Austin Car and The Stupa

Walking to the backyard, we will see a beautiful rockery. It is for decoration but also to be an air conditioner. To make the weather cooler in summer and warmer in the winter. There is a large yard with many fabulous bonsai trees. Each monk in the pagoda takes care of one. A bit further, there is an Austin car. The car of Thich Quang Duc Monk who burnt himself in 1963 against the Ngo Dinh Diem Regime. Asking for the freedom of people to follow Buddhism.

The last one in the pagoda is the stupa. The grave of the first head monk Thich Don Hau. Following the tradition, when normal people died, we put them in coffins to bury. But to the monks, we do the cremation.

5. Thien mu pagoda Vietnam entrance fee

Because Thien Mu Pagoda Hue, Vietnam is a Buddhist temple so there is no entrance fee to visit. So it is free to explore this beautiful pagoda. What you just need to pay is for the parking lot near the Thien Mu pagoda. It costs about VND 5,000 for a bike and VND 10,000 for a scooter.

6. Thien Mu Pagoda Opening Hours

It is quite easy and flexible about the opening hours at Thien Mu pagoda. If you would like to avoid the crowd and have good views to take some beautiful photos and get out of the hit. You should visit Thien Mu Pagoda Hue Vietnam from 6 am to 8 am. If you would like to enjoy the beautiful moments of Sunset on the Perfume River at the sacred Pagoda de Thien Mu, you should be here at 6 pm.

7. How to get there?

Nowadays, there are many different ways to get to the pagoda. The first is taking a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River and enjoying the Hue Royal Court Music. Plus, you can ride a bike, or drive a motorbike, or even go for a walk to get there. Besides, if you wish to enjoy the most authentic experience, you can book a Hue City Tour or Hue City Group Tour via Culture Pham Travel.

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