Thien Mu Pagoda is also known by another name, Linh Mu Pagoda. If someone says he loves Hue but doesn't know where Thien Mu Pagoda is, it's not a "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 landscape here, Thien Mu is a stop not to be missed for diners every time they visit Hue.

According to historical records, Lord Nguyen Hoang - the first lord of Dang Trong was the one who built this temple. In 1601, in order to prepare for the process of expanding the territory and building the kingdom, Lord Nguyen Hoang and his soldiers roamed along the banks of the Huong deep. 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, with a kind face. Every night she goes to Ha Khue hill and tells everyone that there will be a true lord who will build a temple to guard the dragon veins.

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 "Thien Mu Tu" - That is, "The midwife of heaven".

According to the time stamp, the temple has undergone many restorations. In which, the most prominent is the restoration in 1710, during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. He completed and changed many architectures of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. In particular, a Dai Hong Chung fruit weighing more than 2 tons was newly cast and placed at Dai Hung Palace.

The process of formation and development of the temple is associated with many mysterious legends that are remembered forever. Among them is the story of "resentment of love".

The story goes that, in that land, there lived a couple who fell in love passionately. But ironically, the thought at that time did not accept a man without wealth, a lowly family could marry the daughter of a lady's family. This couple is also in the same situation. Therefore, their love cannot avoid fierce opposition from the girl's family.

Too miserable for fate, both of them threw themselves into the river of incense. It was thought that "if we can't live together, we die together", but only the boy left, and the girl drifted ashore and was rescued by people.

The pain of the girl's love was almost healed over time. Meanwhile, the boy was still waiting for the girl at the place of death, but he was never found. He was frustrated and "entered" into Thien Mu pagoda. From then on, people spread the curse that "Any couple who asks to come here will not have a good ending". The curse has not been broken so far, making Thien Mu Hue pagoda more spiritual and mysterious.

Referring to the legend of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, the abbot here said that: In fact, this is a story woven to deter loving couples from taking advantage of a hidden corner in the temple to do things that affect their respect. strict and calm.

So this curse is completely bogus. However, I also want to remind everyone when visiting to have a polite attitude, the page is tilted so as not to lose the beautiful image and value of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue.

Attractions at Thien Mu Pagoda

Dai Hung Palace

Located in the main hall of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Dai Hung Palace is a place to worship Maitreya Buddha - the God who brings carefree joy. The statue depicts Maitreya Buddha with a gentle appearance, big ears, a big belly containing tolerance and a kind smile. Electricity is built entirely of solid cement. The side is repainted in wood color, giving us a feeling of closeness and familiarity.

Not only displaying Maitreya Buddha, Dai Hung Palace is also home to a great letter, dating from 1974, and an extremely delicate bronze sun and moon bell. Going deep inside is a temple, in the center is a statue of Tam The Buddha, on the left is Van Phu Bodhisattva and on the right is Pho Hien. In particular, the land deep inside Dai Hung Palace is the burial place of Dharma Master Thich Don Hau - Abbot of the pagoda.

Phuoc Duyen Tower

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

Phuoc Duyen Tower was built in 1844 by King Thieu Tri. At first, it was named Tu Nhan Thap. Then change 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 from outside.

The body of the tower is built of rustic bricks, the curb is built from bar stone. All combined to form an octagonal tower block, the higher it is, the smaller it is, with all 7 floors, 2m each. Overall, the design of each floor is exactly the same, painted in pink. Over the years, it has carried the stamp of "time", highlighting the unique value of the ancient capital's architecture.

The tomb of the late monk Thich Don Hau

Most Venerable Thich Don Hau is a famous abbot in the temple. He devoted his life to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam. In addition, he was also respected by the people by countless public activities, helping his people. When he passed away, people and temple administrators buried the Venerable under the tower located at the end of the campus to show their gratitude to the revered monk.

Temple of the Underworld

This work is located right behind Dai Hung Palace. The scenery here gives you peace and quiet. With a large yard in front, with grass and green lake. Surely this will be an interesting stop in your trip to explore Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue that you cannot ignore.

Triple gate

This is the main entrance of the pagoda, located behind Phuoc Duyen Tower. The gate has 3 paths, representing the 3 worlds: Human - Devil - God. The gate is designed with 2 floors and 8 roofs. On the second floor of the middle gate, there is a Buddhist shrine. The roof top is carved with many unique patterns. The two sides of the path are guarded by a statue of Dharma Protector.