Linh Ung Pagoda is located in an area locally called Bai But (Buddha’s
Sanctuary) on Son Tra Peninsula. It is rated as the most magnificent
work of this kind in the city of Da Nang in Central Vietnam, in terms of
architectural and artistic value.
| « There are three Linh Ung (miracle) pagodas in the city of Da Nang, including the Linh Ung Non Nuoc located on Thuy Mount, one of the Ngu Hanh Son (Five elements mountains); the Linh Ung Ba Na on the top of the famous Ba Na Hill resort; and the Linh Ung Bai But on the side of a mountain on Son Tra Peninsula. These three pagodas make up a wonderful complex of spiritual attractive sites in this central coastal city. » |
Linh Ung Pagoda was built in a perfect
harmony between modern and traditional features typical of a Vietnamese
pagoda, hence it has become an attractive tourist site in the beautiful
coastal city of Da Nang.
Local residents on Son Tra peninsula recalled stories relating to the existence of Linh Ung Pagoda. Accordingly, under the reign of King Minh Mang in the Nguyen Dynasty (the 19th century), a Buddhist statue drifted downstream to the area and got anchored at a sandy embankment. The local villagers thought it was a good sign, so they built up a small pagoda to worship the statue. From that day on, they said, the whole coastal region enjoyed good weather, with no big storms and rough sea waves, while local fishermen harvested good fishing.
The embankment where the statue drifted was named Bai But, meaning “Buddha’s sanctuary in the real life”, where the present-day Linh Ung Pagoda is located.
Local residents on Son Tra peninsula recalled stories relating to the existence of Linh Ung Pagoda. Accordingly, under the reign of King Minh Mang in the Nguyen Dynasty (the 19th century), a Buddhist statue drifted downstream to the area and got anchored at a sandy embankment. The local villagers thought it was a good sign, so they built up a small pagoda to worship the statue. From that day on, they said, the whole coastal region enjoyed good weather, with no big storms and rough sea waves, while local fishermen harvested good fishing.
The embankment where the statue drifted was named Bai But, meaning “Buddha’s sanctuary in the real life”, where the present-day Linh Ung Pagoda is located.
To visit the pagoda, visitors will drive along the road surrounding the
My Khe coastal beach, one among the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang.
From the foot of Son Tra peninsula, it will take them about 10km further
to the entrance to the pagoda.
 The Guanyin Statue in Linh Ung Pagoda’s courtyard is the highest one in Vietnam to date at 67m in height and 35m in diameter at its base, which is as high as a 30-storey building.  A stone dragon at the foot of the Guanyin statue.  There are 17 floors inside the Guanyin Statue, each one has statues of Buddha.  Inside the central chamber of Linh Ung Pagoda.  A guarding statue inside the central chamber of Linh Ung Pagoda.  Eighteen Arhat statues at Linh Ung Pagoda were carved from white stone by artisan Nguyen Viet Minh.  One of the 18 arhat statues at Linh Ung Pagoda.  Stone dragons are often seen in architectural works of Linh Ung Pagoda.  Part of the pagoda’s courtyard seen from foot of the Guanyin statue.  Linh Ung Pagoda is the biggest one in Da Nang City.  Many bonsai are placed in the pagoda’s courtyard.  The pagoda becomes a favourite place of locals and tourists |
Built on an area of about 20 hectares and on the side of a mountain, the pagoda is really a magnificent artwork. It looks to the sea while its back leans on a vast primitive forest of Son Tra peninsula.
Linh Ung Pagoda can easily be recognized from afar due to its location set on the highest point on Son Tra peninsula. From any corner of Da Nang, visitors can easily capture the sight of the Guanyin statue placed by the pagoda. She looks to the sea, with her back leaning against the mountain side. One of her hands is set in a mudra gesture and the other hand holds a small water jar (Buddhist sa.amrta).
| «
These
18 Arhats of Linh Ung Pagoda were carved by artisan Nguyen Viet Minh,
head of the Non Nuoc Craft Villages’ Association, from white whole rocks
quarried in central Thanh Hoa province.
» |
Along the two sides of the path leading to the main chamber are statues of 18 Arhats, each describing different human beings’ emotions – joyous, angry, happy and sad, and each being sculptured so skillfully. Inside the pagoda’s main chamber, statues of Buddha Sakyamuri, Guanyin and Tripittaka are displayed. All make the scene so attractive and lively.
The main shrine is built in a great harmony of modern and traditional architecture, typical of a Vietnamese pagoda, including firm pillars with meticulously carved dragons.
Other categories, including the main chamber, the ancestors’ house, the hall, the monks’ house, and the statue garden of Arhats, all were built and arranged magnificently.
The 17-layer tower inside the statue of Buddha Guanyin is a “must” stop for any visitor who wants to explore its uniqueness. The statue is said to be the biggest one in Vietnam to date at 67m in height and 35m in diameter of its base, which is as high as a 30-storey building. From the top of the tower, visitors will see the whole city of Da Nang, forests, islands and the sea of Son Tra peninsula.
On top of Guanyin’s hat, there is a 2m-high statue of Buddha, and in each layer of the tower there are 21 smaller Buddhist statues placed in different gestures and positions.
Located in a newly established tourist complex on Son Tra peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda is not only a religious site, but also a spiritual tourist attraction to visitors who visit the coastal city of Da Nang.
Story: Thao Vy - Photo: Viet Cuong
Source: vietnam.vnanet.vn
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