With an age of nearly 300 years, Sac Tu Linh Thuu Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in the Western region. This pagoda is associated with an anecdote about Emperor Gia Long (1762 – 1820). On your upcoming trip to Dong Thap, if you want to find some peace after the busy days, don’t forget to visit this ancient pagoda.
General information about Sac Tu Linh Thuu Pagoda
Tien Giang is truly one of the famous places for spiritual tourism and attracts the love of many people. The Sac Tu Linh Thu Pagoda is an ancient pagoda in the Mekong Delta river region, also known as Long Tuyen Pagoda, which has been existed for nearly 300 years. This ancient pagoda is associated with anecdotes about Emperor Gia Long in previous centuries, when the Venerable Abbot of the pagoda, Mr Nguyen Phuoc Chanh, helped the young king treat his illness and helped him avoid pursuing enemy troops in a big bell.
From Ho Chi Minh City, it takes less than 1 and a half hours to get here. However, a private car to Tien Giang ward would be the best option when you’re travelling with a group.
Traditional architecture of the 300-year-old pagoda
After nearly 300 years of construction, restoration and maintenance, until today, Sac Tu Linh Thuu Pagoda in Dong Thap still retains all its artistic values with an architectural style imbued with traditional imprints and a solemn space, ancient.
The three-entrance gate of the pagoda is one of the most prominent works, with solidly built, carved with bas-relief lines and embossed patterns in the royal style of the past. The most typical are the skillfully carved images of dragons and phoenixes, showing flexibility but not losing their inherent power.
Entrance gate
Meanwhile, the pagoda grounds serve as a place to worship Bodhisattvas and Buddhas. There is also a blessing column modelled on the Four Sacred Animals and a stone stele recording the history of the pagoda and its previous abbots. In addition, on campus, there is a stone statue with delicately carved lines telling about the life of Buddha Shakyamuni.
The main hall is built from 48 pillars carved entirely from precious wood and are more than 200 years old. The most prominent highlight of the main hall of the pagoda is an ancient Buddha statues along with elaborately sculpted horizontal panels, parallel sentences.
In addition, the Dai Hong Chung (big bell) on the left side of the altar at Linh Thuu Pagoda is still in place, having saved Emperor Gia Long’s life years ago. In front of the Buddha altar are two parallel sentences recalling the Emperor’s decision to determine the pagoda’s name and the time Emperor Thieu Tri approved the name Sac Tu Linh Thuu as it is today.
- Address: Cho Hamlet, Long Hung Commune, Dong Thap Province.
- Best for: solo, family, student, and pilgrims.
- Entrance: Free
- Tourist spots nearby: Vinh Trang Pagoda, Thoi Son Islet, Tan Phong islet, Dong Tam Snake Farm, Cai Be Floating Market, ancient house of Mr Le Quang Xoat, Tan Thanh Beach, Mr Kiet Ancient House, Ba Duc Ancient House…
Source: collected by An
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