Linh Ung Pagoda attracts a large number of tourists and Buddhists all over the world who come to explore its beauty and learn more about Buddhist culture. The pagoda is considered a Buddhist paradise on earth.
Linh Ung Pagoda is an ideal destination for visitors to relax and ease their minds in the tranquility of a spiritual site and the serenity of nature. Da Nang, Vietnam is home to 3 Linh Ung Pagodas. This article will give you some useful information about 2 of them: Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains and Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula.
Linh Ung Pagoda is situated on Son Tra Peninsula, 639 meters above the sea level and 10 kilometers away from the center of Da Nang City to the northeast. The pagoda faces the peninsula, overlooking the East Sea. There is Cu Lao Cham Island to the left of the pagoda and a spectacular view of Hai Van Mountain to the right.
The history of Linh Ung Pagoda
There is a local myth about the history of Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula which is passed down from generations to generations. During the reign of emperor Minh Mang, Nguyen Dynasty, a Buddha statue drifted to the sandbank of Son Tra Peninsula. Believing that this was an auspicious sign, the local fishermen built a shrine to worship Buddha. Since then, the waves of the sea became calmer, making it easier for local people to do fishing work.
For that reason, the sandbank where the statue drifted to is called Bai But, which means “The land of Buddha.” Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang was built in this area in 2004. After 6 years of construction, it was officially inaugurated, highlighting the emergence of Buddhism in Vietnam in the 21st century.
Exterior architecture
The pagoda has an area of 20 hectares with a complex of buildings including the main hall, the ancestor’s house, the lecture hall, the library, the cafeteria and the Arhat statue garden. Therefore, the pagoda is the largest one in Da Nang. Its architecture design is a harmonious combination between the contemporary style and traditional Vietnamese style.
After going up and passing the main gate, you will see the main hall. The main hall is supported by sturdy pillars and decorated with a curved roof in the shape of a dragon, highlighting a traditional style of Vietnamese pagodas. In the center of the main hall, there is a Sakyamuni Buddha statue. To the right of the statue, there is an Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue and to the left of it, there is a Buddha Tripitaka statue.
Along the path to the main hall, you can see 4 Guardians and 18 Arhat statues arranged based on their spiritual significance. Each of the Arhat statues represents a human emotion: joy, anger, love and hate.
The most prominent feature of Linh Ung Da Nang Pagoda is the Lady Buddha statue, which is the tallest one in Vietnam with a height of 67 meters, equivalent to that of a 30-floor building. The Lady Buddha statue is placed on a lotus-shaped foundation with a diameter of 35 meters. Inside the statue is a 17-meter-wide area that includes 17 floors, and there are 21 Buddha statues on each floor.
Many tourists visit Linh Ung Pagoda to contemplate the majestic beauty of the Lady Buddha statue and pray for good things. The pagoda is a harmonious combination between the sacred and elegant beauty of architecture and the beauty of nature.
Address: Water Mountain, Hoa Hai, Marble Mountains, Da Nang
Opening hours: 6.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m
Entrance fee: Free
Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains is situated on the eastern side of Water Mountain, which is the most majestic and magnificent mountain belonging to Marble Mountains. The pagoda is 10 kilometers away from the city center to the Southeast. With its nostalgic beauty and historical value, it attracts a lot of visitors coming to sightsee and pray for a good life.
The history of Linh Ung Pagoda
Constructed in 1825, Linh Ung Da Nang Pagoda – Marble Mountains is the oldest of the three Linh Ung Pagodas in Da Nang. It has gone through a lot of renovations over hundreds of years. According to historical documents, the pagoda was originally named Duong Chon Duong. Under the Nguyen Dynasty, it was renovated and renamed Ung Chon Tu by emperor Minh Mang in 1825. In 1841, emperor Thanh Thai renamed it Linh Ung Pagoda.
Exterior architecture
Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang is surrounded by majestic mountains and trees, making the atmosphere there very fresh and comfortable. The most prominent feature of the exterior architecture is an imposing white Buddha statue, which is 10 meters tall. Its back faces the mountain while its front faces the pagoda.
Xa Loi Tower
Xa Loi Tower, which was built in 1997, is also one of the most outstanding features of Linh Ung Pagoda in Vietnam. It is 28 meters tall and has 7 floors and 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arhat statues inside. Hence, the tower is recognized to have the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.
Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains has a unique ancient Vietnamese-style architecture with elaborately carved patterns. The main hall of the pagoda impresses visitors with its structure resembling the letter “Nhat”.
Inside the main hall, the nave is used to worship three Buddhas including Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha and Amitabha Buddha and two Bodhisattvas including Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Manjusri Bodhisattva. The side is used to worship Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang Vietnam still preserves two valuable golden boards: one marking the recognition of the pagoda as a national pagoda and the other marking its new name “Linh Ung Pagoda”. In 1980, Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains was recognized as a National Historical – Cultural Heritage Site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
To enhance your travel to Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang in Vietnam, don’t forget to read some useful tips below:
When visiting a spiritual destination, you should choose a polite outfit and avoid wearing shorts, crop tops, short skirts, etc.
Visitors should walk lightly, be quiet and avoid touching public property in the pagoda.
Linh Ung Pagoda is situated on the mountain, thus you should choose a pair of walking shoes instead of high heels. You should also bring sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, drinks, etc.