Vinh
Nghiem is one of the biggest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh city which locates at 339,
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3
Location and history
Situated
at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3 (just near Cong Ly Bridge), this
biggest Mahāyāna Buddhist pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, is rather a young pagoda.
In 1964, when monks Thich Tam Giac and Thich Thanh Kiem from the North came
there to spread Buddhism, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was started constructing following
the design of the architect Nguyen Ba Lang, based on the model and namesake of
the 11th century Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Giang Province. It was completed in
1971. A Devotee Relic four-storey Tower (Bao thap Xa loi Cong dong) with 25m
high was erected behind the pagoda in 1982.
Modern
style, traditional structure
Thanks
to being a quite recent monument, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda inherits both a modern
touch of Japanese architectural style and inspiration from traditional
Vietnamese structure, which makes its beauty strong, stable and also majestic.
It was the first pagoda in Vietnam with Vietnamese traditional architectural
style but built with concrete. As a result, the pagoda is the symbol for the
peaceful combination of modern and ancient elements.
It’s
home to a vast sanctuary where followers pay their respects, make offerings and
pray for blessings every month and a seven-floor, 40m high tower called
Kwan-Yin, which was built with the assistance of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship
Association. This structure is the biggest one among Vietnam Buddhist
Association, where people come to pay homage to Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha
himself, and Samantabhadra, the Lord of Truth and Manjusri.
When to visit
Special
occasions like Lunar New Year or 15th of each month are when the pagoda most
crowded with people visiting to pray for luck, happiness and safe to themselves
and their families. Also, tourists coming at these times may observe
traditional activities of Buddhist such as giving away lucky-money as good buds
for the start of a new year. However, for visitors who want to enjoy inner
peace of a Buddhist pagoda, try to stay away from these occasions, normal days
are better and more peaceful. Those who are fond of vegetarian foods can spot
at a vegetarian restaurant named “Viet Chay”, which is tucked within the
pagoda’s area.
How to get there
Getting
here is quite easy and convenient as this attraction is so famous amongst local
people. Taxi or motorbike is recommended.
Pictures
