Thien Mu Pagoda Vietnam- Top Hue Sacred Pagodas

Introduction

Hue city, where the most complete preservation of the soul and color of the national culture is preserved. In particular, Thien Mu Pagoda Hue is likened to the “soul” of this land.

Thien Mu Pagoda is a check-in point not to be missed when visiting this ancient land. Let’s explore the fascinating and interesting things in this 400-year-old sacred pagoda!

• You may be interested in our Hue Buddhist Tour to admire all the most sacred pagodas in Hue for 1 day.

Thien Mu Pagoda Location

Thien Mu Pagoda is also known by another name, Linh Mu Pagoda. If someone says they love Hue but doesn’t know where Thien Mu Pagoda is, it’s not “deep” love.

This pagoda is located on Ha Khue hill – In the territory of An Ninh Thuong village, Kim Long Ward, 5km west of Hue city center. The front side of the pagoda is the poetic Perfume River. With the charming scenery here, Thien Mu is a destination not to be missed.

Thien Mu Pagoda Hue History

According to historical records, Nguyen Hoang King- the first lord of Dang Trong was the one who built this sacred pagoda. In 1601, in order to prepare for the process of expanding the territory and building the kingdom, Nguyen Hoang Lord and his soldiers roamed along the banks of the Perfume River. He suddenly caught sight of a small hill jutting up by the blue river, like a dragon turning his head to look back.

At the same time, people in the area spread the story of an old woman wearing a red shirt, and blue pants, with a kind face. Every night she appeared at Ha Khue hill and told the locals that, there will be a good lord who will build a temple to bring prosperity and stability to this area.

Seeing that his idea was compatible with the story, Nguyen Hoang immediately ordered the soldiers to build a temple on the hill. At this time, the pagoda was named ” Heavenly Lady Pagoda”.

Time by time, the pagoda has undergone many restorations. Which, the most prominent is the restoration in 1710, during the reign of Nguyen Phuc Chu Lord. He completed and changed many architectures of Thien Mu Pagoda Hue, Vietnam. In particular, the great bell weighing more than 2 tons was newly cast and placed at Dai Hung Shrine.

Up to now, the pagoda is still worthy of the title “the most ancient pagoda”. It is not only a purely spiritual place but also a beautiful landscape of the ancient capital. In addition to learning the rich history of Hue as well admire the most beautiful landscapes, choosing a prestigious travel company is also something you should pay attention to.

Hoi An Private Taxi Travel deserves to be the best travel agency that you should put your trust in. With the local experience of over 10 years in tourism, we will bring you and your loved ones the most interesting and unforgettable trips.

About the “LOVE CURSE” at the pagoda

The process of formation and development of the pagoda is associated with many mysterious legends that are remembered forever. Among them is the story of the “love curse“.

The story goes that, in the Kim Long village, there lived a couple who fell in love passionately. But ironically, the thought of society at that time did not accept that a man from a poor, lowly family could marry the daughter of a rich and high-level family. This couple was also in the same situation. They both swore with each other in front of the Buddha Statues, this life, we just love each other and only death can divide us! Therefore, their love cannot avoid fierce opposition from the girl’s family.

Too miserable for fate, the two decided to suicide in the Perfume River. It was thought that “if we can’t live together, we die together”, but unfortunately, only the man died, and the girl drifted ashore and was rescued by the locals.

The pain of the girl’s love was almost healed over time. Meanwhile, the man was still waiting for the girl in the Perfume River in front of the pagoda, but he was never meet her again. He was so angry and so sad because day by day he saw a lot of loved couples come to the pagoda.

So he created a love curse that if the loved couples who were not yet married come here. Sooner or later they will break up. From then on, people spread the curse that “Any couple who asks to come to Thien Mu Pagoda will not have a good ending”. The curse so far has not been broken, making Pagoda Thien Mu more spiritual and mysterious.

What to see at Hue Thien Mu Pagoda?

The Three-Door Gate

This is the main gate of the pagoda, located behind Phuoc Duyen Tower. The gate has 3 entrances, the center for the VIP, the right entrance for women, and the left for men.

The gate is designed with 2 floors and 8 roofs. On the second floor of the middle gate, there is a Buddhist shrine. The top of the roof is carved with many unique patterns. The two sides of the path are guarded by a statue of the Dharma Protector.

Phuoc Duyen Tower

Phuoc Duyen Tower is a check-in point not to be missed when traveling to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. This monument is built right after the welcome gate area. Although located in the front, Phuoc Duyen tower is likened to the “soul” of the pagoda. This architecture together with other works forms a cohesive complex, bringing unique and different features compared with other pagodas in Hue.

Phuoc Duyen tower was built in 1844 by Thieu Tri Emperor. At first, it was named Tu Nhan Tower, then changed to the current name. At that time, in order to complete the tower, the materials from clay, bar stone, and Bat Trang pottery had to be transferred to Hue.

The Great Bell & Giant Turtle

On the right and the left of Phuoc Duyen Tower is the great bell and the giant turtle. Thien Mu pagoda, Hue Bell is weight 3285kg and 2.5m tall. Every day at 3:30 am, the monks wake up and ring the bell. The bell’s sound will bring good spirit from the pagoda to the city. Nowadays, it is known as the Vietnam National heritage.

On the left is the giant turtle, one of the four sacred animals of Vietnam which is the symbol of longevity & education. On the back of this marble turtle is a huge tablet written about Thien Mu Pagoda Hue Vietnam’s construction history.

Dai Hung Shrine

Right behind the three-door gate is the Dai Hung Shrine made of ironwood, the main sanctuary of Thien Mu Pagoda. Inside, people worshiping the 3 large Buddha statues represent the past, present, and future. Also, there are statues of Lady Buddha and Happy Buddha as well.

The Garden & Thien Mu Pagoda Car

Behind the Dai Hung, the Thien Mu Pagoda Buddhist shrine is a large garden full of flowers and bonsai trees. Especially, there is an Austin Martin car, the car of the monk in 1963, the monk Thich Quang Duc who drove this car to the administrative building in Saigon and he got out of the car.

In the lotus position doing meditation, he set himself on fire to react, and ask for the freedom of people to follow Buddism. Everything was burnt but except his heart still existed.

Burial stupa of the abbot Thich Don Hau

The venerable Thich Don Hau is a famous abbot in the temple. He dedicated his life to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam. In addition, he was also respected by the people through countless public activities, helping his people.

When he passed away, people and pagoda administrators buried the monk under the stupa located at the end of the campus to show their gratitude to the revered monk.

Thien Mu Pagoda Hue Vietnam Travel Guide

How to get to Thien Mu Pagoda?

It is very easy to get to Thien Mu from Hue city center. You can take a dragon boat ride to Thien Mu pagoda, take a grab bike, a taxi or ride a bike.

Plus, if you would like to maximize your time in Hue by visiting Thien Mu with other highlight attractions such as Hue Royal Tombs, Hue Citadel, Incense Making Village, etc. You should have a look at Hue City Group Tour or Hue City Private Tour 1 Day via Hoi An Private Taxi Travel.

Thien Mu Pagoda opening hours

Best Time To Visit Thien Mu pagoda

Hoi An Private Taxi highly recommends you visit this Buddhist temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon to skip the crowds and the heat of the day. Also, this time is the best time to capture photos without photobombs.