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Thien An Pagoda is certainly very familiar to Buddhist followers. This is a spiritual destination closely linked with many generations of the people of Quang. The pagoda not only attracts people for daily worship but also fascinates tourists with its ancient and tranquil beauty. In the following article, let's explore this landmark in detail with nvk.travel.
Thien An Pagoda is likened to the "divine eye of Quang" because it is located in a unique position and has picturesque scenery. This place is not only a famous spiritual destination but also a historical witness that preserves many ancient values of the people of Quang Ngai.
Thien An Pagoda is situated on the top of Thien An mountain, Tinh An commune, Son Tinh district, Quang Ngai province, about 3Km from the city center (now belonging to Tinh An commune, Quang Ngai province). The pagoda has a serene and ancient beauty, located by the Tra Khuc river, making the landscape here likened to a "picturesque painting of nature". At the same time, it is also rated as the pagoda with the most beautiful and unique architecture in Quang Ngai.
Located at an altitude of over 100m, the road to the pagoda is steep and winding. However, the magnificent natural scenery along with the fresh atmosphere makes the journey to this place more interesting. From the mountain top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Quang Ngai city and the gentle beauty of the Tra Khuc river.
Thien An Pagoda belongs to Thien An commune, Quang Ngai province
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Thien An Pagoda is located at an altitude of 100m on the summit of the same name. The road leading up to the pagoda is steep and winding but has been asphalted, making it safer and easier to travel.
The road to the pagoda is a bit steep and quite winding
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From the center of Quang Ngai city, you head east towards Nguyen Nghiem and then towards Quang Trung for about 30m. After that, visitors turn into Quang Trung and continue for about 1.4km to reach a roundabout. At this point, everyone will take the second exit towards the bridge for about 800m and turn right onto Tran Van Tra street.
Continue for 90m, then turn right and continue for 950m to reach another roundabout. Visitors take the second exit to reach National Highway 24B, and after about 1.1km, turn left, continue for another 1.8km and you will see Thien An Pagoda.
Thien An Pagoda carries the mark of over 300 years, and it is considered a historical witness of the Quang land. Each tile or wall here always contains a unique historical story, linked through each period such as:
Thien An Pagoda was built in 1716, initially just a small hermitage. At that time, Thien An mountain was seen as a sacred and dangerous forest with many wild animals, so few people visited. Once, a group of people discovered a trail leading up the mountain and met Zen Master Thai Hoa, who founded the pagoda. He built a small hermitage as a place for meditation and to explain Buddhist teachings, attracting many people to listen.
Thien An Pagoda was first built in 1716
At that time, the pagoda's reputation reached the royal court, and Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu granted the title "Sac Tu Thien An Tu" in 1917. The pagoda was officially recognized for its status at Thien An mountain. However, with the fluctuations of history and over time, the small hermitage gradually deteriorated. It wasn't until 1946 that Zen Master Hoang Phuc renovated it, and in 1965, the pagoda was built very spaciously, taking on the beautiful and sacred appearance it has today.
After more than 300 years of existence, the pagoda has been repaired and expanded a total of 5 times. The area of the campus is over 1 hectare and has been managed by 15 generations of abbots. In 1990, the pagoda was recognized as a "National Historical Site". It has also become a spiritual symbol, representing the pride of all the people of Quang Ngai.
When visiting Thien An Pagoda, tourists not only admire the tranquil and sacred landscape but also learn about very valuable historical remnants. This place is notable for its system of stone steles and ancient inscriptions that specifically record the formation process, renovations, and related events, spanning many dynasties. The steles at the pagoda are considered stone pages of history, helping future generations clearly envision the long history of the pagoda.
Thien An Pagoda has a system of stone steles and ancient inscriptions that specifically record the formation process
Within the pagoda grounds, there is also the tomb of Huynh Thuc Khang. This is a very sacred site where the younger generation and tourists can express their gratitude to the ancestors who devoted their lives to the nation.
Thien An Pagoda is currently a spiritual tourism destination in Quang Ngai, attracting many visitors. It has unique and distinctive features such as:
Thien An Pagoda stands out with its traditional architectural style, rich in Vietnamese culture. The gate is decorated with intricate floral patterns featuring dragons, couplets, and scrolls, showcasing the skill and sophistication of ancient sculpture art. At the gate, there is also a statue of the guardian deity placed solemnly to ward off evil and avoid misfortune.
Thien An Pagoda stands out with its traditional architecture and intricate decorative patterns
Going deeper inside, you will see a row of La Han statues placed on both sides, with a kind statue of Buddha in the middle. In the eastern area of the pagoda is a tomb designed as a stupa with 5 to 9 tiers. Here, the Zen master, the abbot of the pagoda, will be buried, and nearby is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha over 3 meters tall, cast in solid bronze. This site is frequented by visitors for incense offerings and prayers.
Inside the pagoda, there is a row of La Han statues placed on both sides
Heading north, you will see the majestic natural scenery, bursting with life. There is also a large lotus pond that emits a gentle fragrance. This creates a cool and airy atmosphere for the pagoda grounds. Additionally, to the south is the resting place of the patriotic soldier Huynh Thuc Khang. Here, you can come to light incense to express your gratitude.
According to legend, Thien An Pagoda has a well dug by a Zen master after a strange dream. In the dream, the master was informed that there was a large stone in the east of the pagoda. If the stone was removed, a spring would appear, and when dug, a young monk would help. The Zen master followed the dream's instructions and found a strong water spring, but the young monk did not appear.
The legendary Buddha well provides fresh water
In addition to the Buddha well providing fresh water, Thien An Pagoda is also associated with the legend of the sacred bell. The bell was cast in Chi Thuong village and when it was completed, it did not ring.
At that time, the third Zen master of the pagoda, Bao An, dreamed of seeing the guardian deity. He instructed the monk to go to Chi Thuong village to bring the bell back. As soon as it arrived at the pagoda, the bell rang and echoed across the mountain.
The sacred bell rings and echoes across the mountain
Thien An Pagoda often organizes festivals closely tied to the lives of the people of Quang. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for the locals to express their reverence for Buddhist teachings and to send their wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Throughout the year, Thien An Pagoda hosts many major festivals that visitors can schedule time to experience such as:
Thien An Pagoda organizes many large festivals throughout the year.
Outside of the festival season, when visiting Thien An Pagoda, you can also participate in the following annual activities:
The annual retreat attracts many participants.
Thien An Pagoda, with a history of over 300 years, is associated with many legends that spark curiosity and interest in many people. The pagoda is a sacred destination for you to send your prayers for peace and good fortune for yourself and to admire the beautiful scenery of Quang Ngai in its embrace. If you want to learn more about the pagoda when traveling to Quang Ngai, please contact nvktravel.com. We will provide detailed advice to help everyone have meaningful trips.
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