Thien Mu Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located on Ha Khe hill, on the banks of the Perfume River, about 5 kilometers west of Hue city center.
Thien Mu Pagoda was officially established in 1601, during the reign of the first Lord Nguyen Hoang - the first Nguyen lord in Dang Trong (Inner Land).
Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the oldest pagoda and ranked as one of the 20 most beautiful places in Hue. In 1710, the reigning Lord casted a bell that weighs more than 2 tons and is still displayed on the octagonal tower in the temple yard.
Phuoc Duyen Tower is a famous symbol associated with Thien Mu Pagoda, built in front of the pagoda in 1844. The 7-floor tower is 21 meters in height, with a Buddha statue placed on every floor.
After many renovation and expansion efforts, Thien Mu Pagoda today is home to many valuable artistic and historical artifacts, such as the Statues of Dharma protectors, the Ten Kings statues and the Buddha Maitreya statue.
The couplets displayed here all reflect the many changes the old pagoda has experienced. The pagoda grounds were built in the style of the ancient Hue palace. The premise still retains a car, which is a relic of the late monk Thich Quang Duc.
He was the famous monk who burned himself to death in Saigon to protest against the oppression of Buddhism and religious freedom under the rule of President Ngo Dinh Diem.
Thien Mu Pagoda is not only a sacred place for worshipping but also a wonderful destination for sightseeing. It is a must-see attraction of the ancient capital that tourists should never miss when visiting the poetic Hue city./.
