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19/03/2023
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A panoramic view over the pagoda (Source: Collected)
Tu Hieu Pagoda is not only the place where monks practice meditation and lead an awakening life but also a haven of tranquility for anyone who wishes to listen to Dharma talks, especially those tired of the hectic pace of daily life. Enjoy sitting in silence here and taking deep breaths. You will find yourself in a more relaxed, peaceful, and enlightened state than ever.
1. About Tu Hieu Pagoda Hue
1.1. Where is Tu Hieu Pagoda?
Tu Hieu Pagoda (Chua Tu Hieu or To Dinh Tu Hieu) is the name of a Buddhist temple standing deep inside a pine forest on low hills of Duong Xuan Thuong 3 hamlet, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city, Thua Thien – Hue province. Its area spreads over approximately 8 acres and is surrounded by a picturesque landscape.
The pagoda, also known as the “Root Temple” of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, is where he returned to live after long years of teaching Buddhism to bring his beliefs of mindfulness, global ethics and peace around the world. With its cultural and historical values, Tu Hieu is such a great pagoda Hue Vietnam to discover on your spiritual journey in this S-shaped country.
1.2. How to get to Tu Hieu Pagoda?
Tu Hieu Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Hue. It is only 5 kilometers from the city center; therefore, visitors can easily reach this sacred site by motorbike, personal car or taxi.
From Dien Bien Phu street, take a turn onto Le Ngo Cat Street and keep going straight along it, until you see the signpost to Tu Hieu Pagoda on the right. Turn right at this point, then move forward about 500 meters until you reach the destination. This is a very well-known religious spot on the Hue tourist map, so you can ask any locals for help if you find it tricky to get here.
A corner of the Tu Hieu Pagoda (Source: Collected)
1.3. History of Tu Hieu Pagoda in Hue
Tu Hieu Pagoda was at first the An Duong hermitage built by Most Venerable Nhat Dinh in 1843 as a place to meditate and look after his sick mother with great love and filial affection. When King Tu Duc heard of this story, he was extremely touched by the filial devotion of Most Venerable Nhat Dinh to his aged mother. In 1848, a year after the most venerable passed away, King Tu Duc bestowed the name “Sac tu Tu Hieu tu” on this hermitage, which means “son’s filial piety pagoda.” The pagoda has been named Tu Hieu since then. The king also offered lots of financial support so that eunuchs and Buddhists could have the temple expanded.
Throughout its long history, this pagoda in Vietnam underwent major restoration several times, including in 1865, 1894, 1931, 1962, 1971, etc. It was in Tu Hieu Pagoda Vietnam where Buddhist scripture and discipline codes were published in the past.
The solemn interior of Tu Hieu Pagoda (Source: Collected)
2. The impressive architecture of Tu Hieu Pagoda
Among the best places of interest in Hue, Tu Hieu Pagoda is a beautiful religious work whose layout bears the bold imprints of the royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty.
On the entrance to the area of the pagoda, the first stop of travelers is a recently-built greeting gate. Here comes a narrow alley curving around bushes and pine trees, then leading to the main gate of Tu Hieu Pagoda – a roofed triple gate comprising 2 storeys with the Ho Phap statue placed on top. When visitors walk past the gate, coming into their view is a half-moon pond dug in 1931 where lotus is grown and fish are bred. On the opposite side, there is a three-story high tower built in 1896 to store the monastery’s statues according to the king’s edict.
From the half-moon pond, you can walk through a tree-lined path to get to the main sanctuary where the monks have daily worship services. The whole pagoda is in the form of traditional three-compartment, two-roof architecture, in which the main hall to worship the Buddha is located in the middle. On both sides are sub-halls, which are Quang Hieu Duong and the worshiping house of the Governor-General Le Van Duyet. In the front yard, there are two moss-covered stele that were relatively erected in 1849 and 1899, narrating Tu Hieu Pagoda’s history of construction and expansion.
When visiting Tu Hieu Pagoda, tourists cannot help but be curious about a graveyard included in the pagoda’s own premises. This is where more than 24 eunuchs of the Nguyen Dynasty were buried. The graveyard is located to the right of the temple with an area of nearly 1000 square meters, surrounded by 1.5-meter-high walls. Rows of tombs are arranged in rank order, from eunuchs with lower ranks to those with higher ones. In the middle of the graveyard stands a stele that records these eunuchs’ merits and their contributions to the court.
The lotus pond lies just near the pagoda’s gate in such idyllic surroundings (Source: Collected)
3. Best places to visit near Tu Hieu Pagoda Hue Vietnam
The Tomb of Tu Duc (Lang Tu Duc), known as Khiem Mausoleum (Khiem Lang), was constructed by edict of King Tu Duc in 1867, 10 years before his demise. This architectural masterpiece boasts over 50 luxurious palaces for the king, his wives and his concubines, along with a huge lake, wooden pavilions, and shrines within a 1,500-meter-long wall.
- Vong Canh Hill
Vong Canh is a 43-meter-high hill standing opposite Hon Chen temple in the northwest of Hue City, overlooking the Perfume River. It is surrounded by the chain of tombs of royal members under the Nguyen dynasty, such as Dong Khanh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Thieu Tri Tomb, Hieu Dong Tomb, etc. Standing on Vong Canh Hill, visitors may admire the incredibly romantic landscape as well as the poetic beauty of the Perfume River.
Vong Canh Hill, where mountains and rivers create spectacular scenery (Source: Collected)
- Tu Dam Pagoda
Tu Dam Pagoda, belonging to Truong An ward, is about 2 kilometers to the south of central Hue. There is Kim Phung Mountain in front of the pagoda and some other Buddhist temples around it. The general layout of this pagoda is a harmonious combination of modern and ancient architecture, with three important parts: the triple gate, the main pagoda and Hoi area.
- Dong Khanh Tomb
Dong Khanh Tomb (also called Tu Lang) is situated in Cu Si village, Thuong Hai hamlet, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue City. The general architecture of the Dong Khanh Tomb was the pioneering work of Eurasian – Neoclassical architectural style in Vietnam: the worship area was designed in the ancient multi-roof architecture while the tomb area reflects “Europeanized” style.
After exploring Hue, travelers usually pay a visit to the nearby cities of Hoi An and Da Nang, as they are both prominent tourist destinations in Vietnam, and what’s more, they are very close to Hue, which will make your trip the most convenient. Hoi An and Da Nang have dozens of charming tourist attractions, such as Marble Mountain, Da Nang Museum, Hoi An Silk Village, My Khe Beach, An Bang Beach, and particularly the VinWonders Nam Hoi An amusement park.
VinWonders Nam Hoi An provides a host of interesting games and activities for you to try, including a 85-meter-tall Swiss Tower – Vietnam’s largest drop tower – which will pump your excitement to the highest level. Here, you can also see the outstanding architectural features of Vietnam, explore the natural habitat of wild animals, and experience many more exciting things.
Great adventures are awaiting you at VinWonders Nam Hoi An
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While you are in either of these cities, it is recommended that you have a nice stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An for the best experience.
Vinpearl offers a complete range of options for villas and rooms with magnificent sea views. Aside from accommodations, you can also enjoy a variety of top-quality amenities, from swimming pools, spas, and private beaches to on-site restaurants. These high-class services will definitely satisfy even the most demanding vacationers.
Opulent villas of Vinpearl
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Tu Hieu Pagoda, with its inherently modest look and tranquil atmosphere, will certainly keep visitors away from any worries of mundane life. It is such a common place for pagoda-goers in Hue and nearby neighborhoods to learn Buddhism. Next time when you are in Hue imperial city, leave behind your worldly concerns to visit this unique pagoda, this will somewhat filter dullness out of your soul and mind.
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