Perfume Pagoda and tourist information to know
Unveiling the Mystery: Where is Huong Pagoda?
Huong Pagoda is a renowned temple that attracts countless domestic and international tourists every New Year. With its rich spiritual and cultural heritage, combined with picturesque natural scenery, this ancient pagoda holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. So, where exactly is Huong Pagoda located? Let’s embark on a journey of discovery together, brought to you by Blog Thien Minh.
Huong Pagoda, also known as Huong Son Pagoda or Huong Tich Pagoda, can be found on the banks of the Day River in Huong Son commune, My Duc, Hanoi. It is not just a single structure but rather a complex comprising temples, communal houses, and pagodas. The central focus of this religious complex is Huong Tich Cave, also known as Trong Pagoda.
Who Pays Homage to Huong Tich Pagoda?
To fully appreciate and participate in the religious ceremonies held at this cultural gem, it’s essential to be aware of who is worshipped at Huong Pagoda. Here’s a list of the revered figures:
- Huong Tich Cave houses a green stone statue of Guanyin Buddha carved in 1793 during the 2nd Tay Son and Canh Thinh period.
- Cua Vong Temple is dedicated to the Lady of the Forest, known as Thuong Ngan Van Huong, Princess Le Mai Thanh Mau.
- Thien Tru and Ngoai Pagodas serve as repositories for Buddhist scriptures, laws, and treatises, used for study and practice.
- Bac Dai Pagoda, Tuyet Son Pagoda, Ca Pagoda, and Dinh Quan Temple are where the Five Tigers are worshipped.
- Trinh Temple venerates General Quan Tu Ma Hung Lang, a military leader who played a pivotal role in defeating the enemy An and assisting King Hung Vuong VI.
A Glimpse into the History of Huong Pagoda
Once visitors have discovered the location of the Perfume Pagoda, their curiosity naturally extends to its historical origins. The captivating history of Huong Pagoda is intertwined with age-old beliefs that have been passed down through countless generations.
Legend has it that Princess Dieu Thien, also known as Lord Ba, attained enlightenment in this sacred land of Linh Son Phuc Dia. Each year, on Buddha’s birthday, the Third Goddess manifests as Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara to save sentient beings.
During a patrol of Tran Son Nam in the Canh Dan year, Lord Trinh Sam visited Huong Tich Cave to pay respects and offer incense. It was here that the words “Nam Thien De Nhat Dong” (“The most beautiful cave in the South”) were discovered, inscribed on the cave entrance wall. It was Lord Trinh Sam who transformed Huong Tich Cave into a revered relic and laid the foundation for spiritual tourism and the renowned Huong Pagoda Festival. Since then, tourists have flocked to this breathtaking landscape to offer incense and usher in the beginning of spring.
Exploring Huong Pagoda: Essential Information for Pilgrims
Tourist map of the Perfume Pagoda
The religious complex of Huong Pagoda is nestled in Suoi Yen Valley and encompasses both the inner and outer pagodas. To reach the pagoda, visitors embark on a boat pilgrimage along the enchanting Yen Stream, departing from Duc Wharf, the main gateway to the complex.
From Yen Wharf, make a stop at Trinh Temple on Ngu Nhac Mountain. This temple, dedicated to the mountain god, serves as the first incense offering point within the complex. Continue on foot from Tro Wharf to Tro Temple, also known as Thien Tru Pagoda or Ngoai Pagoda, to pay respects. The Buddha Shrine of Thien Tru Pagoda houses a magnificent 2.8m-high statue of Guanyin Nam Hai, meticulously carved in the likeness of Huong Tich Pagoda.
Near Thien Tru Pagoda, you’ll find Co Tien Mountain and Tien Pagoda. The latter showcases five statues that depict the legend of Princess Dieu Thien. The centerpiece is the statue of Ba Chua Ba, flanked by her eldest sister, Dieu Thanh, riding a green lion, and her second sister, Dieu Am, riding a white elephant. Behind them stand the statues of Princess Dieu Thien’s father and queen.
Next on the journey is Giai Oan Pagoda, situated between Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave. Here, you’ll encounter the tranquil Giai Oan Stream, which originates from nine springs, as well as the perpetually clear Long Tuyen Well.
From Thien Tru Pagoda, embark on a scenic mountain road for approximately 2 km to reach the crown jewel of Huong Pagoda: Huong Tich Cave, or Trong Pagoda. This natural cave serves as the central sanctuary within the religious complex and preserves the untouched essence of ancient pagodas. Visitors must fully immerse themselves in the mountainous surroundings to reach Trong Pagoda.
The Perfume Pagoda attracts thousands of tourists every year at the beginning of the year
And there you have it! Through this article, you’ve gained valuable insights into the location of Huong Pagoda and what to expect during a pilgrimage to this remarkable religious complex. May your journey be filled with peace and enlightenment as the new year unfolds.
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