Along with Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Dam Pagoda is on the list of famous ancient temples of the ancient capital, not only has a long history but also has unique architecture and holds an important position in the revival. Modern Buddhism in Vietnam.
When traveling to Hue, you will hear the names of the most famous pagodas in the capital, from the 400-year-old ancient temple Thien Mu, Huyen Khong Son Thuong pagoda located among the poetic mountains and forests to the peaceful Tu Hieu pagoda, ancient pagoda Thu Le and especially Tu Dam Pagoda – a unique and ancient religious work that harmoniously combines new and old art lines. In addition, this historic temple also makes an important contribution to the preservation and development of Vietnam’s religion.
Tu Dam Pagoda – The Buddhist symbol of Hue. Photo: huesmiletravel
Where is Tu Dam Pagoda located in Hue?
Tu Dam Pagoda is located on a low hill, in the territory of Truong An ward, Hue city, with the pagoda facing the Southeast. The pagoda is located at 1 Su Lieu Quan Street, where it intersects with Dien Bien Phu Street. This place is not far from Hue city center, only about 2km to the west.
To get to this famous Hue tourist destination, visitors can rent a motorbike or take a car or taxi to the right address.
As soon as you arrive, you will immediately see the silent pagoda, located in the middle of the hill with a deep look even though it is not too far from the bustling city center.
The pagoda is located at 1 Su Lieu Quan Street. Photo: _mr.huy
Below are detailed instructions on how to get to the temple. First you start from the hotel or motel you are staying at in the center of Hue city to go to Dien Bien Phu street and then look to the right, the intersection with Su Lieu Quan street, the left side borders on Phan Boi Chau street. there it is. After visiting Tu Dam Pagoda, you can visit more Linh Quan Pagoda, Thien Minh Pagoda or visit the temple of Phan Boi Chau because it is very convenient.
The temple is located on a low hill. Photo: linaspeed
History of Tu Dam ancient pagoda in Hue
Tu Dam is a temple with a long history of the ancient capital. This work has long been an important Buddhist center of our country, especially in the central region. The ancient temple also experienced many historical events.
Built in 1693, up to now, Tu Dam pagoda in Hue has been around for more than 300 years, built by Chinese Zen master Minh Hoang Tu Dung on a hill named Hoang Long. Initially, the pagoda was named An Ton, later, specifically from 1841 – under King Thieu Tri, the pagoda was renamed Tu Dam Tu.
The temple is steeped in history. Photo: pham.tram.tram
Later, the temple was restored and built more spaciously and solidly. By 1935, this religious building was expanded further thanks to the thriving Buddhist revival movement. Tu Dam ancient temple used to be the headquarters for the Buddhist Sangha of the whole Middle Kingdom.
The temple was also redesigned by An Nam Phat Hoc Hoi, adding a temple gate, a meditation house, a monastery and ancillary works such as a guest house, kitchen, lecture hall, and then set up as a provincial office. Church. Recently, the pagoda has been repaired and restored on a larger scale to meet the pilgrimage and sightseeing needs of many tourists.
Tu Dam pagoda campus. Photo: huesmiletravel
The meaning of the name Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue
Originally, Tu Dam pagoda was built by the Most Venerable Minh Hoang Tu Dung – a Chinese Zen master around the end of the 17th century, that is, in the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Thai. The first name of the temple is An Ton with the meaning of taking the transmission of the mind as a guideline in the religion.
Tu Dam means fresh cloud. Photo: mattia_capeletto
In the reign of King Thieu Tri, in 1841 the pagoda was renamed Tu Dam Tu. Accordingly, the name of the pagoda means a good cloud brings many good things. That meaning also reminds me of the image of Buddha – who always brings the cloud of compassion to protect the whole world, enlighten the soul and save sentient beings.
The pagoda was originally named An Ton. Photo: nhattandn
Impressive architecture of Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue
After learning about the history of the meaning of the temple’s name, visitors come here to admire the unique architecture and beautiful landscape. Overall, the ancient temple has the general structure of traditional Vietnamese pagodas combined with the typical Hoi pagoda style. The design is simple but cool. On a spacious area, high position, the old house is also surrounded by many green trees.
The yard of the temple is large, with flat stones. Photo: vntrip
Since its construction until now, it has undergone many renovations, but the temple still retains the ancient architecture. Like traditional Vietnamese temples, the Tu Dam pagoda has 10 units, 2 floors with 3 important parts: the three-way gate, the main pagoda, and the Hoi house. More specifically, the area of the three gates follows the ancient design with 3 aisles.
This is also the type of gate that visitors can easily see in other temples such as Tu Hieu Pagoda, Thu Le Pagoda, etc. More especially, the gate of Tu Dam Hue Pagoda is high, wide, and has an elegant tiled roof. Especially behind the gate is a Bodhi tree extracted from the original tree where Buddha attained enlightenment, once planted as a gift by the president of the Buddhist Association – Mrs. Karpeies in 1936.
The general structure of the pagoda is typical for the ancient Hoi pagoda style. Photo: vntrip
Going deeper, visitors will see the image of a large temple yard, paved with clean and flat stone. The main area of the temple includes the front hall, main hall, and the ancestral house. Particularly, the front part of the road was built on a platform about 1.5m high with granite running only. The roof of the pagoda feels higher than usual because it is built in the ancient style. When you take a closer look, you will notice the image of pairs of curved dragons lying symmetrically on the roof and roof of the temple. There are also embossed statues of the Buddha lying right under the ancient roof along with exquisitely carved long parallel sentences and two drum bells along the pillars.
The temple used to be the headquarters of the Annam Buddhist Association. Photo: phamkhactrantantai
The main hall is decorated simply but very respectfully with the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sitting on a lotus, hand shaking, flanked by two Bodhisattvas Pho Hien and Manjushri. The guest house and the Tang room are located to the right of the main hall. Right in front of the guest house there is a small garden with a bust of layman Tam Minh. There is also a house located right behind the main hall.
An Ton Tower. Photo: vntrip
If Huyen Khong 1 pagoda has a Great Enlightenment Stupa modeled after the great stupa of Mahā Bodhi Gāya in India with miniature size, then Tu Dam Pagoda is famous for its Hindu Temple Worshiping 7 Buddhas cast in bronze and built in the shape of a 7-story octagonal tower in the architectural style the higher the smaller the higher.
In the shrine of the temple. Photo: vntrip
In the old temple grounds, there is also a new souvenir room built later. The building has a new architecture and is used as a museum. This place displays many memorabilia related to the ancient temple during its formation and development up to now.
The pagoda has an important meaning to the spiritual life of the people of Hue and to Buddhists throughout the country. Photo: vnrtip
Not as majestic as Hue Imperial City, not as deep in the mountains and forests as Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, but Tu Dam Pagoda has an important position in the religious and spiritual life of the people here. Hue Tu Dam Pagoda is a place of pilgrimage, learning about Buddhism, a place to pray for peace and travel, and also a place to welcome Buddhist leaders, scholars, intellectuals, Buddhists, and tourists in Vietnam. and abroad come to visit and worship Buddha.
If you are planning to travel to Hue, remember to add to the list of destinations to visit Tu Dam ancient temple. Come listen to the ringing of the temple bells, walk around the poetic scenery, you will find your heart more settled and pure in the land of the Perfume River, Ngu Binh mountain. Have an unforgettable trip!
Photo: Internet