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05/12/2024
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1. A glance at the history of Minh Dang Quang Temple
- Address: 505 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hour: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Originally spanning a vast 62,000 square meters of untamed land, Minh Dang Quang Temple was established in 1968 by Venerable Thich Giac Nhien, the First Patriarch of the Fourth Sangha of the Mendicant Sect.
Minh Dang Quang Temple is an important cultural and spiritual landmark in the area (Source: Collected)
The temple was envisioned as a long-lasting center for Buddhist teachings that would align with the growth of the Vietnamese Mendicant Buddhist Sangha at the time. Initially, it consisted of a modest main hall and a few bamboo huts. Despite numerous challenges, the monks and followers worked tirelessly to cultivate and beautify the grounds. By 1989, a green initiative transformed the temple into a verdant sanctuary, exuding serenity from the very entrance.
The most significant renovation occurred in 2009, under the guidance of esteemed Buddhist leaders and with the support of Vietnam’s Central Buddhist Sangha and the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Association. This large-scale restoration not only enhanced the temple’s beauty but also cemented its status as a monumental Buddhist institution.
Besides Minh Dang Quang Temple, explore other Vietnamese pagodas
2. The architecture of Minh Dang Quang Temple
Post-renovation, the temple’s area was reduced to 37,490 square meters, yet it retained its distinctive architectural charm and spiritual aura. The complex now features a stunning central hall and four magnificent stupas located at the temple’s corners, each serving a unique purpose.
2.1. Main hall
At the heart of the temple lies the main hall, an impressive three-story structure measuring 40 meters wide and 70 meters long. The uppermost floor features a traditional octagonal hall with a 32-meter diameter, dedicated to the worship of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Below it, a spacious meditation hall stretches 24 meters by 50 meters, with a serene statue of Buddha in Nirvana at the rear. The lowest level houses a lecture hall, measuring 40 meters by 50 meters, designed for spiritual discourses and community gatherings.
Its main hall is a peaceful spot for reflection and prayer (Source: Collected)
Scattered across the temple grounds are additional facilities, including monks’ residences, a library, communal areas, and finely crafted statues of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Maitreya, and Patriarch Minh Dang Quang.
2.2. Four stupas
The temple’s iconic four stupas are strategically placed around the central hall, each octagonal in shape and adorned with intricate cloud motifs. These towers are painted in a signature golden hue and house sacred relics and serve distinct purposes.
The Kassapa Tower on the left is dedicated to seven Buddhas and Patriarchs, while the Buddha Relic Tower on the right stores scriptures and Buddha statues. The two rear stupas are memorials, housing the ashes of monks and devotees.
2.3. Bodhi tree
Adding to the temple’s international significance is a sacred Bodhi tree, planted on February 27, 2014. Gifted by the Sri Lankan government and Buddhist clergy, this tree descends from a 2,000-year-old Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. It stands as a symbol of cross-cultural spiritual exchange.
The bodhi tree is an important symbol of Minh Dang Quang Pagoda (Source: Collected)
Learn more about all the historical places in Ho Chi Minh City
3. What records are Minh Dang Quang Temple known for?
Minh Dang Quang Temple is celebrated for its grandeur and holds four Vietnam records that emphasize its spiritual and cultural importance.
3.1. The pagoda with the 4 largest stupas
The temple boasts the largest collection of stupas in Vietnam. The two front octagonal stupas each have nine stories and stand 37 meters tall, while the two rear square-shaped stupas rise to 49 meters with 13 stories. These structures symbolize the Four Heavenly Kings guarding the central hall.
Visitors are often captivated by the large stupas at Minh Dang Quang Temple (Source: Collected)
3.2. The largest wooden stupa worshiping Buddha in the main hall
The third floor of the main hall houses a wooden stupa, the largest of its kind in Vietnam. Standing 12 meters tall, this stupa features intricate carvings of lotus motifs and supports a bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that is 7.2 meters tall and weighs 7.2 tons.
3.3. The largest venue for the 60th anniversary of the death of Patriarch Minh Dang Quang
In 2014, the temple hosted a monumental 60th anniversary of Patriarch Minh Dang Quang’s passing, attended by over 2,000 Buddhist leaders and devotees. This event highlighted the temple’s role in the history of the Mendicant Sect in Vietnam.
3.4. The largest ancient Buddha alms-giving ceremony
Minh Dang Quang Institute also holds the record for the largest alms-giving ceremony, where over 1,500 monks participated in a traditional practice honoring Buddha and his teachings.
The temple houses different spiritual events (Source: Collected)
Discover other exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
4. Guide for visitors to Minh Dang Quang Buddhist Temple
A visit to Minh Dang Quang Temple is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Ho Chi Minh City. Below are some detailed tips to help you make the most of your experience at this iconic Buddhist sanctuary.
4.1. How to get there?
To reach Minh Dang Quang Temple from Thu Thiem, Thu Duc City, start by driving along To Huu Street and crossing Thu Thiem Bridge. Follow Nguyen Huu Canh Street until you reach Vo Nguyen Giap Road, where the temple is conveniently located. The journey is straightforward and offers glimpses of the vibrant cityscape.
Check out this Ho Chi Minh City map for a detailed overview of Ho Chi Minh City
4.2. What to eat?
Inside the temple’s grounds, visitors can dine at Thien Duyen Vegetarian Restaurant, situated on the right-hand side near the entrance. Resembling a tranquil pagoda, this two-story restaurant can accommodate over 500 guests. It serves a diverse menu of over 60 meticulously prepared vegetarian dishes, along with a selection of healthy beverages.
Combine your visit to Minh Dang Quang Temple with a refreshing meal inside the temple’s grounds (Source: Collected)
4.3. What to note?
- Since the temple is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, make sure to organize your schedule so you can fully explore the temple without disrupting your other commitments.
- Currently, the temple allows visitors to enter free of charge.
- Guests should wear modest, comfortable clothing; long pants and high-necked tops are recommended.
- Choosing clothing made from breathable, sweat-absorbing materials will make it more convenient for you during prayer and worship activities.
Discover the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple
Visitors to Minh Dang Quang Temple come not only to admire its vast and serene beauty but also to entrust their hopes and heartfelt wishes.
Hopefully, these shared insights will provide you with helpful tips for your upcoming visit to this peaceful sanctuary.
While you are in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to check out the world of fun and excitement at VinWonders Grand Park, the newest amusement park opened in December 2024. Located in the Vinhomes Grand Park Mega Urban Area, this expansive amusement park features themed zones including a Water Park with thrilling slides, an Amusement Park with exciting attractions, and a relaxing man-made lagoon beach. Perfect for families, friends, and adventure seekers, it offers entertainment options for all ages.
VinWonders Grand Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to create unforgettable memories
