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Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is one of the most beautiful and ancient architectural structures for worship in Hue.

The name of the pagoda comes from a legend: a long ago, an old woman appeared on the hill where the pagoda stands today. She told local people that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for the country’s prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang, on hearing that, ordered the construction of the pagoda of the “Heavenly Lady” (Thien Mu).

Overall view of Thien Mu Pagoda.

The pagoda is situated on Ha Khe hill, on the left bank of the Huong River, in Huong Long village, 5km from Hue city. It was built in 1601, and then Lord Nguyen Phuc Tan had it renovated in 1665. In 1710, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu had a great bell cast (2.5m high, 3.285kg) and in 1715, he had a stele (2.58 m high) erected on the back of a marble turtle.

The seven-story tower was rebuilt in 1844 during the reign of
King Thieu Tri. The design is inspired from Chinese prototypes.

Several kings of the Nguyen Dynasty such as Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri and Thanh Thai, all had the pagoda restored. Phuoc Duyen tower (at first called Tu Nhan tower) was erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri. This octagonal tower has seven storeys. Dai Hung shrine, the main-hall, presents a magnificent architecture. As well as bronze cast statues, it shelters some precious antiques: the bronze gong cast in 1677, the wooden gilded board with Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu’s inscriptions (1714).

Gate to the main sanctuary of Thien Mu Pagoda
with the seven story tower in the background.

There is a complex of monastic buildings lies in the center, offering glimpses of the monks’ daily routines: cooking, stacking wood, and whacking weeds.

Smaller pavilions are on either side of the tower. In one, a large turtle carved out of marble carrying a large stone stele. The other houses a huge bell whose sound is said to be heard up to 10km away.

A marble stele (an upright, inscribed stone used as
a monument or commemorative tablet) on the back
of a turtle – the symbol of longevity.

Behind the tower and the small pavilions is the main sanctuary. There is a pleasant courtyard with the main sanctuary at the back. The sanctuary has a long hall in the front, with a wall of shutter-like doors leading to the alter behind. A path to the left of the sanctuary leads to more courtyards, and along one side are the monk’s quarters.

The monastery.

The pagoda is surrounded by flowers and ornamental plants. At the far end of the garden stretches a calm and romantic pine-tree forest. It becomes more and more magnificent and attracts tourists from both far and near.

Ancient bonsai tree in the garden of Thien Mu Pagoda.

The pagoda was heavily damaged in 1943. Bonze Thich Don Hau hence organised a great renovation of the pagoda, that lasted for more than 30 years. Nowadays the pagoda is very well-maintained and very welcoming to all visitors.

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